Definition

1. Noun:

   • Exterior / Outside: The outer surface, appearance, or visible aspect of a person, object, or situation. It refers to what is physically seen or perceived from the outside.
   • Outward appearance / Semblance: The superficial impression or facade presented to others, which may not reflect the true, inner nature or reality.

2. Adverbial Phrase:

   • Outwardly / On the surface / Externally: Used to describe an action, quality, or condition as it appears from an external viewpoint, often implying a contrast with an internal or hidden truth.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Bề ngoài của tòa nhà rất hiện đại. (The exterior of the building is very modern.)
  • Đừng tin vào bề ngoài của nó. (Don't trust its outward appearance.)
• Adverbial Phrase:
  • Bề ngoài, anh ta có vẻ rất tự tin. (Outwardly, he seems very confident.)
  • Cô ấy bề ngoài lạnh lùng nhưng bên trong rất ấm áp. (On the surface, she is cold, but inside she is very warm.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to emphasize the dichotomy between appearance and reality. It often sets up a contrast with phrases like "nhưng thực ra" (but in reality) or "bên trong" (inside).
  • Bề ngoài thơn thớt nói cười. Mà trong nham hiểm giết người không dao. (Outwardly all smiles and sweet talk. But inside, malicious, killing people without a knife.)

Variants and Related Words

• Vẻ bề ngoài (n): A synonym emphasizing the look, aspect, or demeanor on the outside.
  • Vẻ bề ngoài của cô ấy rất nghiêm túc. (Her outward demeanor is very serious.)

Synonyms

• Exterior: The outer surface or structure.
• Appearance: The way that someone or something looks.
• Facade: A deceptive outward appearance.
• Outwardly: As seen from the outside.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Đánh giá qua bề ngoài / Trông mặt mà bắt hình dong: To judge a book by its cover.
  • Anh ta hay đánh giá người khác qua bề ngoài. (He often judges others by their appearance.)
• Bề ngoài hào nhoáng: A flashy/glitzy exterior.
  • Căn nhà có bề ngoài hào nhoáng nhưng nội thất đơn giản. (The house has a flashy exterior but simple interior.)

1. Exterior, outward
   • sức mạnh bề ngoài của chủ nghĩa quốc xã
     the outward strength of nazism
   • Bề ngoài thơn thớt nói cười Mà trong nham hiểm giết người không dao
     Outwardly a honey tongue, Inwardly a heart of gall