を除いてExcluding; except for
を除いて explicitly removes a named person, item, date, case, or factor from a larger set, rule, or calculation.
Make the larger set clear
The listener or reader should be able to identify both the excluded noun and the larger group or rule from which it is excluded. The rest of the sentence normally states what applies after that exception has been removed.
Typical exclusions
The construction works naturally with dates, people, costs, and factors when the containing set is explicit.
八月十三日を除いて、窓口は夏休み中も通常どおり開いています。
Except for August 13, the service counter will remain open as usual during the summer break.
Analyze調査チームのメンバーは、佐藤さんを除いて、全員が会議に出席しました。
Every member of the research team except Ms. Sato attended the meeting.
Analyze送料を除き、商品の合計額は一万二千円です。
Excluding shipping, the merchandise total is 12,000 yen.
Analyzeを除き gives the calculation a compact, formal tone.
年齢を除いて、結果に影響した要因は確認されませんでした。
Apart from age, no factors affecting the results were identified.
AnalyzeCareful spoken use
恐れ入りますが、関係者を除いて、この先にはお入りいただけません。
I am sorry, but no one except authorized personnel may enter beyond this point.
AnalyzeThe explicit exception fits careful speech in a formal setting.
Formal rules
緊急の場合を除き、申請後の変更は認められない。
Changes after submission are not permitted except in emergencies.
AnalyzeChoosing the right exclusion expression
を除いて explicitly removes something from a defined set, calculation, or rule and has a written-leaning tone. 以外 is the broader, more neutral way to identify what is outside a set. 抜きで instead focuses on carrying out an activity without an element, often because that element has intentionally been omitted.
More examples
祝日を除いて、窓口は平日に営業しています。
Except on public holidays, the service counter is open on weekdays.
Analyze委員長を除き、各委員には一票が与えられる。
Each committee member, excluding the chair, is given one vote.
Analyze税を除いて、宿泊費は一泊八千円です。
Excluding tax, accommodation costs 8,000 yen per night.
Analyze天候を除いて、作業の遅れにつながる要因は見当たりません。
Apart from the weather, we can find no factors likely to delay the work.
Analyze国内では、北海道を除き、配送には二日ほどかかります。
Within Japan, delivery takes about two days except to Hokkaido.
Analyzeこの一件を除いて、今年は重大な事故は起きていません。
Except for this one case, no serious accidents have occurred this year.
Analyze