chūkǒu: 出口 - Exit, Export

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• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word 出口 (chūkǒu), a term with two powerful meanings. This guide explores how 出口 can mean a physical exit or “way out” (like in a subway station) and also how it means to export goods in economics and business. Discover its simple character origins, cultural relevance in modern China, and see how to use it correctly with over 10 practical example sentences for beginner and intermediate learners.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): chū kǒu
• Part of Speech: Noun, Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 2 (as “exit”), HSK 4 (as “export”)
• Concise Definition: A physical exit or way out; to export goods or services.
• In a Nutshell: 出口 (chūkǒu) is a beautifully logical word. At its core, it means “out-mouth” or “out-opening,” which perfectly describes a physical exit. This same simple logic extends to the world of economics: when a country sends goods “out” of its ports (its “mouth” to the world), it is exporting. So, whether you're looking for the way out of a building or discussing international trade, 出口 (chūkǒu) is the word you need.

• 出 (chū): This character means “to go out” or “to exit.” You can picture it as a plant sprout (凵) growing upwards and emerging from the ground. It represents the action of coming out from within.
• 口 (kǒu): This is one of the simplest characters, a pictograph of an open “mouth” or an “opening.”
• How they combine: The logic is direct and visual. 出 (chū) + 口 (kǒu) literally means “to go out of an opening,” which is the very definition of an exit. This same concept is then applied on a national scale to mean export.

• A Tale of Two Meanings: The primary significance of 出口 (chūkǒu) is its duality. In daily life, it's a purely functional word you'll see on signs everywhere, from the metro to shopping malls. It's as common and direct as the word “EXIT” in English.
• The Economic Powerhouse: However, the “export” meaning is deeply tied to modern China's identity as the “world's factory” (世界工厂, shìjiè gōngchǎng). For decades, China's economic growth has been powered by its massive export industry. Therefore, 出口 (chūkǒu) is a word you'll constantly hear in news reports, business discussions, and conversations about the economy.
• Comparison to English: In English, “exit” and “export” are two completely unrelated words from different linguistic roots (Latin). In Chinese, the fact that they are the same word highlights a feature of the language: using a simple, physical concept as a foundation for a more abstract or complex one. Understanding 出口 (chūkǒu) shows you how Chinese can be both practical and metaphorical at the same time.

This is the most common and literal usage. It's a neutral, functional noun you'll see on signs and use in questions.

• On Signs: Look for 出口 (chūkǒu) or 安全出口 (ānquán chūkǒu) (Emergency Exit) in any public building.
• In Conversation: You'll use it to ask for directions or clarify a location.

This usage can be a noun (“an export,” “the export business”) or a verb (“to export”). It's used in more formal or specific contexts like business, logistics, and economics.

• As a Noun: You might talk about a country's 出口 (chūkǒu) (exports) or a company involved in the 出口 (chūkǒu) business.
• As a Verb: You can say a company 出口 (chūkǒu) certain products to another country.

• Example 1:
  • 请问，地铁出口在哪里？
  • Pinyin: Qǐngwèn, dìtiě chūkǒu zài nǎlǐ?
  • English: Excuse me, where is the subway exit?
  • Analysis: A classic, essential sentence for any tourist or newcomer in China. 出口 here is a noun meaning “exit.”
• Example 2:
  • 我们公司的主要业务是出口。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen gōngsī de zhǔyào yèwù shì chūkǒu.
  • English: Our company's main business is export.
  • Analysis: This shows 出口 as a noun in a business context, meaning the entire field or activity of “export.”
• Example 3:
  • 中国每年出口大量电子产品。
  • Pinyin: Zhōngguó měinián chūkǒu dàliàng diànzǐ chǎnpǐn.
  • English: China exports a large quantity of electronic products every year.
  • Analysis: Here, 出口 is used as a verb, “to export.” The structure is Subject + 出口 + Object.
• Example 4:
  • 请勿堵塞安全出口！
  • Pinyin: Qǐng wù dǔsè ānquán chūkǒu!
  • English: Please do not block the emergency exit!
  • Analysis: A common warning sign. 安全 (ānquán) means “safety” or “security,” forming the compound word “emergency exit.”
• Example 5:
  • 这家工厂生产的产品只供出口。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā gōngchǎng shēngchǎn de chǎnpǐn zhǐ gōng chūkǒu.
  • English: The products manufactured by this factory are for export only.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates 出口 used as a noun to describe the purpose of the products.
• Example 6:
  • 我找不到停车场的出口了。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ zhǎo bù dào tíngchēchǎng de chūkǒu le.
  • English: I can't find the exit of the parking garage.
  • Analysis: Another practical, everyday use of 出口 as a physical “exit.”
• Example 7:
  • 今年第一季度的出口额增长了百分之五。
  • Pinyin: Jīnnián dì yī jì dù de chūkǒu'é zēngzhǎng le bǎi fēn zhī wǔ.
  • English: The export value in the first quarter of this year increased by five percent.
  • Analysis: A more advanced sentence from a news or business report. 出口额 (chūkǒu'é) means “export value” or “export volume.”
• Example 8:
  • 他终于找到了人生的出口。
  • Pinyin: Tā zhōngyú zhǎodào le rénshēng de chūkǒu.
  • English: He finally found a way out in his life.
  • Analysis: This is a figurative use! Just like in English, an “exit” can be a metaphor for a solution or a way out of a difficult situation.
• Example 9:
  • 那个门是入口，不是出口。
  • Pinyin: Nàge mén shì rùkǒu, bùshì chūkǒu.
  • English: That door is the entrance, not the exit.
  • Analysis: This directly contrasts 出口 with its antonym, 入口 (rùkǒu), “entrance.”
• Example 10:
  • 我们的新产品计划出口到欧洲市场。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen de xīn chǎnpǐn jìhuà chūkǒu dào Ōuzhōu shìchǎng.
  • English: We plan to export our new product to the European market.
  • Analysis: A clear example of 出口 as a verb in a business planning context.

• The Duality Trap: The most common mistake for learners is not being aware of the dual meaning. If you only know 出口 as “exit,” you will be very confused when reading a headline about the economy. Always consider the context: is it about a physical location or about trade?
• Not for People or Ideas (Usually): While you can 出口 (export) goods and services, you don't use it for people. You wouldn't say you “export a student” to another country. For ideas, it's more common to use 输出 (shūchū), which means “to output” or “to export (culture, values, etc.).”
  • Incorrect: `我们公司出口我们的工程师。` (We export our engineers.)
  • Correct: `我们公司派工程师去国外工作。` (Our company sends engineers to work abroad.)
• Exit vs. Way Out: While 出口 is a physical exit, the more general, often figurative term for “a way out” of a problem or a path for one's future is 出路 (chūlù). If you're talking about career prospects, 出路 is a better choice than 出口.

• 进口 (jìnkǒu) - The direct antonym of 出口; “to import” or “an entrance.” (Literally “enter-mouth”).
• 出路 (chūlù) - A “way out,” but used figuratively for future prospects, a solution to a dilemma, or a career path.
• 入口 (rùkǒu) - The direct antonym of the physical meaning; “entrance” or “inlet.”
• 贸易 (màoyì) - The general term for “trade” or “commerce.” 出口 is one type of 贸易.
• 外贸 (wàimào) - “Foreign trade.” This term is very closely related to 出口 and 进口.
• 安全出口 (ānquán chūkǒu) - “Emergency exit.” A fixed, common phrase.
• 海关 (hǎiguān) - “Customs.” The government agency that manages all 出口 and 进口 activities.
• 门口 (ménkǒu) - “Doorway” or “gate.” Refers to the immediate area around a door, whereas 出口 is the designated path to leave a larger area.