Translation guide
The concept of being outdoors, in the open, or exposed to the elements. Japanese has several ways to express this, depending on whether you mean 'outdoors' in general, 'open-air' as an adjective for activities or facilities, or 'exposed to the weather'.
To say that something is happening or located outside, not inside a building.
A formal or written term for 'outdoors' or 'outside'. Often used in signs, announcements, or official contexts.
Eating and drinking outdoors is prohibited.
The most common, everyday word for 'outside'. Can be used for any outdoor location or activity.
Let's play outside today.
It's cold outside, so wear a coat.
Often used for outdoor activities, events, or facilities, like 'open-air concert' or 'outdoor school'. Slightly more specific than 屋外.
I went to an open-air concert.
To describe something that is designed to be in the open air, like a bath, market, or theater.
Means 'open-air' or 'outdoor' and is commonly used for baths (露天風呂), markets (露天市), etc. Implies exposure to the sky.
I like soaking in an open-air bath.
An open-air market is held every Sunday.
Also means 'outdoor' or 'open-air', but often for events or activities (野外活動 outdoor activities, 野外劇 open-air theater).
Open-air festivals are a summer tradition.
Formal term for 'outdoor' as in facilities or spaces (屋外プール outdoor pool, 屋外駐車場 outdoor parking lot).
This hotel has an outdoor pool.
To emphasize that something is not under cover and is directly exposed to sun, wind, rain, etc.
Describes something left out in the open, exposed to the elements, often with a nuance of neglect or weathering. Can be used for objects or people.
The bicycle is left out in the open.
Specifically exposed to rain. Often used for things left outside without cover.
Literary or descriptive phrase meaning 'exposed to wind and rain'. Used for dramatic effect.
To express the pleasant, healthy feeling of being outside in fresh air, often in a natural setting.
露天 (roten) is often used for things that are traditionally indoors but are placed outside, like baths or markets. 野外 (yagai) is common for events and activities in open spaces. 屋外 (okugai) is a formal term for any outdoor area or facility.
The literal translation '開いた空気' (hiraita kuuki) is nonsensical. Always use the appropriate Japanese term based on context.
The laundry is getting rained on.
The old house is damaged from being exposed to the elements.
I like spending time out in the open air (in nature).