ngoại lai
[ŋwaːj˧˨ʔ laːj˧˧]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
(adjective) foreign; alien
Adjective
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Chỉ có những va chạm ngoại lai trong đời mới làm cho ta thực sự trưởng thành.Only by having those interactions in real life would make us truly mature.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sources & notes
Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗
Common questions
What does “ngoại lai” mean?
(adjective) foreign; alien
Is “ngoại lai” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.