outsider to family; foreigner; non-Han ethnic group
Meanings
3 senses · 8 examplesnoun
people outside one's own family or clan; outsiders to the family
Traditionally used in clan-based societies to distinguish between blood relatives and outsiders.
In ancient societies, outsiders to the family were usually not allowed to participate in clan ancestral worship.
Although he was from outside the family, the clan leader treated him like a blood relative.
noun
foreigners; people from outside one's own country
Neutral term referring to non-nationals; commonly used in historical and modern contexts.
With the opening up to the outside world, more and more foreigners are coming to work in China.
This city is home to many foreigners from all over the world.
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Historically, foreigners doing business in China needed to obtain special permits.
noun
non-Han ethnic groups; ethnic minorities outside the Han Chinese (historical usage)
archaicHistorical term used by Han Chinese to refer to other ethnic groups. Now considered outdated or potentially sensitive; modern usage prefers specific ethnic names or '少数民族'.
Historically, central plains dynasties frequently fought wars with non-Han peoples in the north.
This historical text records in detail the process of invasions by outside ethnic groups.
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Intermarriage with outside ethnic groups was not common in ancient times.