外套
wàitào
The English word coat can be translated into Chinese as 外套 (wàitào). Wiktionary also lists 外衣 (wàiyī) and 大衣 (dàyī).
Meaning: outer garment covering the upper torso and arms (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 外套 | wàitào |
| 外衣 | wàiyī |
| 大衣 | dàyī |
This term refers to an outer garment that covers the upper torso and arms.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 外套 (wàitào) is composed of 外 (outer) and 套 (sleeve/cover/case).
Which one should you use?
外套 is a general term for any outer garment, such as a jacket or a coat. In contrast, 大衣 (dàyī) specifically refers to heavier, longer overcoats.
How does it change in a sentence?
When counting coats, such as with 外套 or 大衣, the measure word 件 (jiàn) is used, for example 一件外套 (a coat) or 那件大衣 (that overcoat).
How do you pronounce it?
wàitào
Did you know?
- The measure word 件 (jiàn) used for 外套 originally referred to 'matters' or 'incidents', which is why it is also used to count tasks and lawsuits.
- In many parts of China, if someone asks you to 脱 (tuō) your 外套, they are specifically telling you to 'strip off' or 'shed' the garment, a verb often used for skin or layers.
- While 外套 is the common term for a jacket, the character 套 (tào) is also used to describe the 'shell' or 'case' of an object, like a phone case, meaning a coat is linguistically seen as a 'case' for the body.
Examples in context
- 她需要一件外套。She needs a coat.This sentence shows how to express the need for a 外套.Tatoeba #2065324 by sadhen, translation #462376 by lukaszpp
- 我需要我的大衣。I need my coat.This sentence shows how to express the need for a 大衣.Tatoeba #5496299 by egg0073, translation #1887576 by CK
- 請脫下您的外套。Please take off your coat.This sentence shows how to ask someone to remove their 外套.Tatoeba #6014699 by xjjAstrus, translation #6354279 by CK
- 你有外套吗？(Nǐ yǒu wàitào ma?)Do you have a coat?
- 我的外套很厚，在冬天保暖。(Wǒ de wàitào hěn hòu, zài dōngtiān bǎonuǎn.)My coat is very thick and keeps me warm in the winter.
- 你今天穿了一件漂亮的大衣。(Nǐ jīntiān chuān le yī jiàn piàoliang de dàyī.)You're wearing a beautiful coat today.
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A man and a woman are preparing to go outside in the evening.
- 梓涵 Zihan外面很冷，记得穿外套。Wàimiàn hěn lěng, jìdé chuān wàitào.It is cold outside, remember to wear a coat.
- 俊杰 Junjie好，我的外套在哪里？Hǎo, wǒ de wàitào zài nǎlǐ?Okay, where is my coat?
- 梓涵 Zihan在沙发上面。Zài shāfā shàngmiàn.It is on the sofa.
- 俊杰 Junjie找到了，谢谢。Zhǎodào le, xièxiè.Found it, thanks.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coat” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
