General terms:
* 夷 (yí): This is a very general term that has been used for centuries to refer to people from outside China. It can carry both neutral and negative connotations, sometimes implying "barbarians" or "uncivilized."
* 番 (fān): This term is also quite general and has been used for centuries, often referring to people from Southeast Asia, but also for people from other regions.
* 外國人 (wàiguórén): This is a more modern term that literally translates to "foreigner," and is widely used today.
More specific terms:
* 鬼子 (guǐzi): This term, meaning "demon child," was used to refer to Japanese people, particularly during the Sino-Japanese War. It is considered very derogatory.
* 洋人 (yángrén): This term, meaning "ocean people," was often used to refer to Westerners, especially Europeans. It can sometimes be neutral, but can also carry negative connotations.
* 黑人 (hēirén): This term, meaning "black people," is used to refer to people of African descent.
* 红毛 (hóngmáo): This term, meaning "red hair," was historically used to refer to people of European descent. It is now considered outdated and somewhat offensive.
Other factors:
* Regional differences: Different regions of China might have used different terms for foreigners, even within the same time period.
* Historical context: The term used for foreigners could also depend on the historical relationship between China and that particular group of people.
* Social status: Sometimes, terms might be used to reflect the social status or perceived threat of the foreigners.
It's important to remember that language evolves, and the meaning of words can change over time. To understand the specific meaning of a term, it's crucial to consider the context in which it is used.