====== nèi: 内 - Inside, Inner, Within ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  * **Keywords:** nei, nèi, 内, Chinese character for inside, what does nei mean, how to use nei in Chinese, inside in Chinese, inner, within, internal, domestic, Chinese culture inside outside, 内容, 国内, 内心
  * **Summary:** The Chinese character **内 (nèi)** is a fundamental term meaning "inside," "inner," or "within." It's incredibly versatile, used to describe everything from the physical location of an object inside a box to abstract concepts like the "content" (内容) of a book or a person's "inner" thoughts (内心). Understanding **内 (nèi)** is key to grasping concepts of time, space, and the important cultural distinction between the "in-group" and the "out-group" in Chinese society.
===== Core Meaning =====
  * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** nèi
  * **Part of Speech:** Noun, Adjective, Location Word
  * **HSK Level:** HSK 2
  * **Concise Definition:** The character **内 (nèi)** means inside, inner, or within.
  * **In a Nutshell:** Think of **内 (nèi)** as the concept of containment. It refers to everything on the inside of a boundary, whether that boundary is a physical wall, a period of time, or a social group. It's the direct opposite of **外 (wài)**, which means "outside." While in English we might just say "in," **内 (nèi)** carries a slightly more formal and definitive sense of being enclosed or internal.
===== Character