格外
especially; more than usual
Structure
主语 格外 形容词／心理动词
What it means
“Especially, more than usual”: compares with the usual state of things or with others.
How it is built
Subject + 格外 + adjective or verb of feeling: 下过雨以后，空气格外新鲜 (after the rain the air is especially fresh). Also 格外小心, 格外想家.
When to use it
Slightly written, with a warm tone. 分外 means the same and is more literary still. To pick one item out of a group, use 尤其 instead.
Watch out
格外 cannot single out an item: ✗ 我喜欢水果，格外是苹果。 ✓ 我喜欢水果，尤其是苹果。
Examples
为什么这一带的人格外爱吃辣？
Why are people in this part of China so especially fond of chilli?
下过雨以后，空气格外新鲜。
After the rain, the air is especially fresh.
在国外过春节，我格外想家。
Spending Spring Festival abroad, I miss home more than ever.
Learn this in Lesson 20 · HSK 5: 中国人什么时候开始吃辣 (When China learned to love chillies)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
Open the lesson →