Definition
外务 (wài wù) refers to affairs or matters outside a certain scope. In political contexts, it commonly means 'foreign affairs' or 'external affairs' of a country. In workplace settings, it denotes tasks or duties outside one's official job description. Informally, it can carry a negative connotation of 'shady dealings' or 'underhand activities'.
n.
foreign affairsexternal affairs (of a nation)matters outside one's job or responsibilities(colloquial, pejorative) shady dealingsunderhand activities
Examples
- 外务。Zhè wèi guānyuán chángqī cóngshì wài wù gōngzuò.This official has long been engaged in foreign affairs work.
- 外务，。Shàngbān shíjiān zuò wài wù, huì bèi lǐngdǎo pīpíng.Doing personal matters during work hours will be criticized by the boss.
- 外务，。Zhège rén jīngcháng gǎo yìxiē wài wù huódòng, ràng rén juéde bù kě xìnrèn.This person often engages in some shady activities, making people feel untrustworthy.
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