Translation guide
The English word "external" refers to something outside, outer, or coming from the outside. This guide helps learners express this concept naturally in Japanese, covering physical outsides, external factors, outward appearances, and more.
Describing the outside surface, exterior, or outer part of an object or place.
The most common and neutral word for 'external' or 'outside' in a physical sense. Often used for the exterior of buildings, devices, or systems.
The exterior of this building is made of brick.
I'm bothered by the noise from outside.
Literally 'outer side'. More concrete and physical than 外部. Used for the outer surface or side of something.
Please write your name on the outside of the box.
Refers to the outer surface or exterior, often used in technical or formal contexts. Can also mean outward appearance.
Paint the external surface of the pipe.
Describing something that originates from an outside source, such as external influences, data, or funding.
Used for external sources, influences, or entities. Very common in business and technical contexts.
We need external funding.
Consult an external expert.
Means 'coming from outside', often used for foreign or introduced things, like loanwords or invasive species. Not for general 'external'.
An adjective meaning 'external' in the sense of outside factors or influences, often paired with 要因 (factor) or 刺激 (stimulus). Somewhat formal.
Referring to how something looks on the outside, often contrasting with inner reality.
Outward appearance, looks. Neutral and common.
Don't judge people by their external appearance.
Appearance, outward show. Often implies a contrast with reality. More casual than 外見.
Can also mean outward appearance, but more formal or technical. Often used in psychology or sociology.
Describing something outside a company, group, or system, such as external stakeholders or external hard drives.
The standard term for external in organizational contexts. Also used for external devices.
Don't leak internal information to outsiders.
Back up to an external hard disk.
Specifically 'outside the company'. Used in business contexts.
Indicating that a medicine or product is for application on the outside of the body, not to be taken internally.
Standard term for 'external use' on medicine labels. Often seen as 外用薬 (external medicine).
This medicine is for external use only.
外部 (がいぶ) is the most versatile and common for 'external' in abstract and physical senses. 外側 (そとがわ) is more concrete, meaning 'outer side'. 外面 (がいめん) is technical or formal for outer surface or appearance.
The katakana word エクスターナル is rarely used in natural Japanese. Stick to the native terms above.
外来語をカタカナで書く。
Write loanwords in katakana.
外的要因によって売上が減少した。
Sales decreased due to external factors.
He looks scary on the outside, but he's actually kind.
外面は明るく振る舞っている。
She acts cheerful on the outside.
Attend an external training session.