此外grammar point · tier 1 · 此外 — besides this; apart from this (close the prior point, bring in a separate further one)
· cǐwài
Treat the prior point as closed, point back at it, then introduce a separate further point or item from beyond it; written-register 'besides this'.
字源 FORM what the parts do
此 stops a foot (止) where a person (匕) stands — it points back at the spot just made. 外 sets evening (夕) beside a divining crack (卜): a reading cast at dusk falls outside its proper time, the outer side. Together: outside this point — past what was just settled, one more from beyond it.
故事 STORY a scene to remember it by
One point sits finished on the table. 此 plants its foot on it, and 外 reaches past its edge to bring in a separate one and set it down alongside.
字源自撰記憶法
框 · Frame
[clause A，complete]，此外 [clause B introducing a separate further point]
觸 · Trigger
Said one thing in full; now point back at it and add a separate further point in writing.
序 · The move
1Let clause A finish as a complete statement.Does A read as closed, not waiting on a second half?
2Place 此外 at the head of clause B.Is B a separate point standing on its own, not a continuation of A's predicate?
3Put a fresh, distinct item or remark after 此外, often with 還/也 marking the addition.Is B something new from outside A, rather than more of A's same kind or a reinforcement of A?
例 · Examples
1今天加入會員to sign up as a member不但享有to enjoy, be entitled to折扣discount，還可以免費體驗to try free of charge。此外besides this, in addition，生日當天on the birthday itself還有贈品a gift, free item。
Sign up as a member today and you not only get a discount but can also try it free. Besides this, on your birthday there's a gift too.
Both reach outside the set to bring in a separate point, but 此外 points back at the whole prior statement (此 = 'this') and runs written; 另外 marks the new item as set apart without pointing back, runs neutral-to-spoken, and also serves as a determiner (另外一個). 此外 only connects clauses.
而且 stacks a second point that runs the same way as A and fuses with it into one judgment; 此外 closes A off and brings in a separate, freestanding further point from outside it. Same two clauses — 而且 fuses them, 此外 keeps the second apart.
Both plant 此's foot on the prior statement, but 因此 swings out its RESULT (for this reason → consequence); 此外 reaches OUTSIDE it for a separate ADDED point. Cause-and-effect vs one-more-besides, same backward-pointing 此.
✗ 此外天氣很好。 → ✓ 今天放假，此外天氣也很好。 (此外 needs a complete clause A to point back at; bare-initial 此外 has nothing to be 'outside' of)
✗ 他很高此外很瘦。 → ✓ 他很高，而且很瘦。 (two same-direction traits about one subject fuse with 而且; 此外 wants a separate freestanding point, not a reinforcing one)
✗ 我喜歡茶此外咖啡。 → ✓ 我喜歡茶，此外也喜歡咖啡。 (此外 joins clauses, not two bare nouns; pair nouns with 和)
English 'besides this' / 'in addition' can open a sentence after a full stop with nothing held over; 此外 needs clause A already stated so 此 has a point to reach outside of, and it belongs to writing, so a spoken 'besides' often wants 另外 instead.