由表及里 yóu biǎo jí lǐ

to proceed from the outside to the inside

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. to proceed from the outside to the inside
  2. 2. to see the essence merely by looking at the superficial appearance

Characters

Character Meaning
由 yóu HSK 4
from; because of; due to
表 biǎo HSK 2
a form; a table (listing information)
及 jí HSK 4
to reach; and; up to
里 lǐ HSK 1
inside; interior; internal