Understanding "出境" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 出境
• Pinyin: chū jìng
• Literal Meaning: “to exit the border” / “to leave a country”
• Primary Meaning: to leave a country; to go out of the country; exit immigration

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

出境 is used when someone leaves a country through immigration or border control. It is a formal and common word in travel, legal, and official contexts.

In English, it usually means:
- to leave the country
- to exit the country
- to go through departure immigration

It is often seen in:
- airport announcements
- passport and visa discussions
- customs and border control topics
- official travel documents

Nuances

• 出境 focuses on the act of leaving a country.
• It is the opposite of 入境 (rù jìng), which means to enter a country.
• It is more formal than everyday expressions like “go abroad,” because it specifically refers to the border-crossing process.

Character Breakdown

• 出 = to go out, to exit, to leave
• 境 = border, territory, boundary, region

Together, 出境 literally means “exit the border/territory.”

3. Example Sentences

• Chinese: 他今天下午出境去新加坡。
• Pinyin: Tā jīn tiān xià wǔ chū jìng qù Xīn jiā pō.

• English: He is leaving the country for Singapore this afternoon.

• Chinese: 请准备好护照和签证，以便顺利出境。

• Pinyin: Qǐng zhǔn bèi hǎo hù zhào hé qiān zhèng, yǐ biàn shùn lì chū jìng.

• English: Please prepare your passport and visa so you can exit the country smoothly.

• Chinese: 出境前，工作人员会检查你的行李。

• Pinyin: Chū jìng qián, gōng zuò rén yuán huì jiǎn chá nǐ de xíng lǐ.
• English: Before departure, the staff will check your luggage.

Cultural Notes

In China, 出境 is a common term in airport and immigration settings. You may see it on signs such as 出境大厅 (chū jìng dà tīng, “departure immigration hall”) or 出境检查 (chū jìng jiǎn chá, “exit inspection”). For travelers, this word is especially important when talking about passports, visas, and airport procedures.

Conclusion

出境 means to leave a country or to exit immigration. It is a formal and practical word often used in travel situations. Remember: 出 means “out,” and 境 means “border/territory,” so 出境 is about going out of a country.