In English, the word “foreigner” can sound somewhat distant or formal. In Chinese, however, “laowai” is a much more everyday term - you might hear it on the street, see it in short videos, or even come across it in casual conversation.
SBS Simple Mandarin helps you understand everyday Chinese in Australia, speak Mandarin with more confidence, and better connect with Chinese culture. Click to view all episodes.
The word “foreigner” often carries a sense of distance.
But on the streets of China, if you are a foreigner, you will very likely hear a different word - “laowai.”
Sometimes it is said casually by passers-by. Sometimes it is called out by curious children.
Even in Australia, when speaking Mandarin with Chinese friends, you might hear someone naturally say, “that laowai…”
The word itself is not necessarily negative, and it has become a very common way to refer to foreigners.
Rory Fagan is a “laowai” who first began learning Chinese in the UK, later lived in China, and eventually settled in Australia. He also shares his experience of being a “laowai” in China more than 30 years ago.
In this episode, starting from the word “laowai,” we explore the idea of “insider and outsider” in Chinese, and how everyday expressions can quietly signal closeness, distance, and social relationships.
View the original Chinese version for more.
