另外 in addition

Learn how to use 另外 to express “in addition/besides” and “another/different” in Chinese sentences

Introduction to 另外 (lìngwài)

另外 (lìngwài) is a versatile Chinese word with two distinct meanings and grammatical functions.

Depending on the context and grammatical structure, 另外 can mean either “in addition,” “besides,” “also” OR “another,” “different,” “separate”.

Meaning 1

In Addition / Besides

Adds information to what was previously mentioned.

English Equivalents:

• besides

• in addition

• also

• additionally

Meaning 2

Another / Different

Refers to something separate or different from what was mentioned.

English Equivalents:

• another

• different

• separate

• other

Key Concept: Context Determines Meaning

The meaning of 另外 depends entirely on grammatical context and sentence structure:

When it means “In Addition”

Adds more information about the same topic:

她想学习法语，另外还想学习汉语。

She wants to learn French, and also wants to learn Chinese.

When it means “Another”

Refers to something completely different:

结婚是另外一回事。

Getting married is another matter.

Grammatical Clues for Distinguishing Meanings

You can identify which meaning is intended by looking at the grammatical structure:

“In Addition” Pattern:

Sentence A，另外 + Verb Phrase

First statement, 另外 + additional action

Key Feature: 另外 starts a new clause

Structure: 另外 + verb/action

“Another” Pattern:

另外 + NU-M + Noun

另外 + numeral + noun

Key Feature: 另外 followed by number

Structure: 另外 + 一个/一件/etc.

另外 as “In Addition / Besides / Also”

When 另外 means “in addition,” “besides,” or “also”, it functions as a conjunctive adverb that connects two related ideas or adds more information.

This usage typically appears at the beginning of a clause following a comma or period.

First Statement ，另外 + Additional Information

First Statement

她想学习法语，

She wants to learn French，

Establishes the main topic or action

Connection

另外

in addition

Adds more to the same topic

Additional Information

还想学习汉语

also wants to learn Chinese

“In Addition” Usage Examples

Structure	Chinese	English Translation
Statement A，另外 + Verb Phrase	她想学习法语，另外还想学习汉语。 tā xiǎng xuéxí fǎyǔ, lìngwài hái xiǎng xuéxí hànyǔ.	She wants to learn French. Besides, she also wants to learn Chinese.
Statement A，另外 + 再 + Verb Phrase	我要一个汉堡，另外再加一杯可乐。 wǒ yào yígè hànbǎo, lìngwài zài jiā yìbēi kělè.	I want a hamburger and also a glass of coke.
Statement A，另外 + 还有 + Noun Phrase	苹果含有丰富的维生素，另外还有很多矿物质。 píngguǒ hányǒu fēngfù de wéishēngsù, lìngwài háiyǒu hěnduō kuàngwùzhì.	Apple is rich in vitamins. In addition, it contains a lot of minerals.

Conjunctive Function

In this usage, 另外 functions as a conjunctive adverb:

Function: Connects two related clauses

Position: Beginning of second clause

Punctuation: Usually preceded by comma

Sentence A，另外 + Sentence B

It shows that Sentence B adds to or expands upon Sentence A.

Common Collocations

另外 often appears with certain words that reinforce the “addition” meaning:

另外 + 还 (hái):

另外还想学习汉语

additionally also wants to learn Chinese

另外 + 再 (zài):

另外再加一杯可乐

additionally add a glass of coke

另外 + 还有 (háiyǒu):

另外还有很多矿物质

additionally there are many minerals

 Usage Contexts for “In Addition” Meaning1. Listing Multiple Items
我要一个汉堡，另外再加一杯可乐。
I want a hamburger, and also a coke.
Adding items to an order or list.
2. Adding Related Information
苹果有维生素，另外还有很多矿物质。
Apples have vitamins, and also many minerals.
Providing additional facts or details.
3. Expressing Multiple Desires
她想学法语，另外还想学汉语。
She wants to learn French, and also Chinese.
Listing multiple wants or goals.
4. Making Additional Requests
帮我买牛奶，另外再买一些面包。
Help me buy milk, and also some bread.
Adding to a request or instruction.

另外 as “Another / Different / Separate”

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Usage Notes and Comparison

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Practice Exercises

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另外 in addition

1 Introduction to 另外 (lìngwài)

Meaning 1

Meaning 2

Key Concept: Context Determines Meaning

Grammatical Clues for Distinguishing Meanings

2 另外 as “In Addition / Besides / Also”

First Statement

Connection

Additional Information

“In Addition” Usage Examples

Conjunctive Function

Common Collocations

Usage Contexts for “In Addition” Meaning

3 另外 as “Another / Different / Separate”

4 Usage Notes and Comparison

Practice Exercises

Introduction to 另外 (lìngwài)

另外 as “In Addition / Besides / Also”

另外 as “Another / Different / Separate”

Usage Notes and Comparison