Definition

1. Prepositional Phrase / Adverbial Phrase:
   • On the outside, in external appearance: Refers to the outward, superficial, or visible aspect of a person, thing, or situation, which may differ from the internal reality or true nature.

Usage Examples

• Describing a person's deceptive appearance:
  • Ngoài mặt thì ngọt ngào, trong bụng thì thâm độc. (To be sweet on the outside and wicked on the inside.)
  • Anh ta ngoài mặt rất thân thiện. (He is very friendly on the outside.)
• Describing the superficial aspect of a situation:
  • Công ty đó ngoài mặt có vẻ rất thành công. (That company appears very successful on the surface.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to highlight a contrast between outward appearance and inner truth, often implying deception, pretense, or a lack of genuineness.
• Commonly paired with phrases like "trong bụng" (on the inside), "trong thâm tâm" (deep down), or "thực chất" (in reality) to create a juxtaposition.

Variants and Related Words

• Bề ngoài (n): The exterior, the outward appearance. A near-synonymous noun phrase.
  • Đừng tin vào bề ngoài. (Don't trust appearances.)
• Vẻ ngoài (n): Outward look, demeanor.
  • Vẻ ngoài lạnh lùng. (A cold exterior.)

Synonyms

• Outwardly: In appearance; on the surface.
• Superficially: With regard to the surface or appearance only.
• Externally: On or from the outside.

Related Idioms

• Ngoài mặt đồng tâm, trong bụng dao găm: Literally "On the outside sharing a heart, inside carrying a dagger." Means to feign friendship while harboring malicious intent.
• Ngoài cười nói, trong mưu hại: Literally "Outside laughing and talking, inside plotting harm." Describes a duplicitous person.

1. On the outside, in the external appearnce
   • Ngoài mặt thì ngọt ngào, trong bụng thì thâm độc
     To be suave on the outside and to be wicked wthin