以外Except; other than; outside
以外 identifies the people or things outside a stated choice, group, or boundary. It commonly translates as “except,” “other than,” or “outside.”
How the meaning works
The noun immediately before 以外 marks the item placed outside the relevant set. The rest of the sentence describes the people or things remaining after that item is excluded. The larger set must be clear from the sentence or situation.
A posted restriction
スタッフ以外は立入禁止です。
No entry except for staff.
AnalyzeLiterally: As for people other than staff, entry is prohibited.
スタッフ以外 means everyone outside the staff group. The prohibition applies to that outside group, making staff the exception.
Using the phrase inside a sentence
Once the outside set has been formed, add the particle that its role requires.
Before a noun
予算以外の問題も話し合いましょう。
Let’s also discuss problems other than the budget.
Analyze以外の directly modifies the following noun.
Related ways to leave something out
以外 neutrally identifies everything outside a named item or boundary. を除いて more explicitly removes an exception from consideration and leans toward written or procedural contexts. 抜きで instead emphasizes carrying out an activity or arrangement without a particular element.
More examples
私以外は全員その話を知っていました。
Everyone except me knew about it.
Analyzeこの箱には本以外の物を入れないでください。
Please do not put anything other than books in this box.
Analyze日曜日以外なら、いつでも大丈夫です。
Any day except Sunday is fine.
Analyzeこのカードは国内以外では使えません。
This card cannot be used outside the country.
Analyze数学以外に好きな科目はありますか。
Are there any subjects other than mathematics that you like?
Analyze会議は三階以外の部屋で行います。
The meeting will be held in a room on a floor other than the third.
Analyze