Translation guide
The English word "out" has many meanings and uses. This guide covers the most common ones for learners, organized by practical meaning.
Expressing that someone or something is not inside a place, or is absent.
The most common word for 'outside' or 'out' as a location.
彼は外にいます。
He is outside.
It's cold out.
Used when someone is 'out' meaning they have gone somewhere and are not at home or the office.
Mr. Tanaka is out right now.
Means 'not at home' or 'absent'. Often used in set phrases like 留守にする (to be away from home).
He is not home.
Describing the action of going out or moving from inside to outside.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to go out', 'to leave', 'to exit'. Used for people or things moving out.
Transitive verb meaning 'to take out', 'to put out', 'to send out'. Used when someone moves something out.
A more formal verb meaning 'to go out' (from home or office).
I won't go out today.
Something that was hidden or secret is now known or available.
Means 'to become clear', 'to come to light'. Used for truths or facts being revealed.
The truth came out.
Means 'to be announced publicly', 'to be released'. Often used for official information.
The new iPhone is out.
Can also mean 'to be published' or 'to appear' (e.g., a book, a movie).
Something is not working, not lit, or has stopped.
Something or someone is not included, not permitted, or eliminated.
A common way to say something is not allowed or is out of the question.
Smoking is out.
Noun meaning 'exclusion'. Often used in formal contexts.
He was ruled out as a candidate.
Loanword from English, used in sports (baseball) or games to mean 'out'.
Someone is not conscious or is deeply asleep.
Something is no longer fashionable or is currently trendy.
Expressing strong intention or determination to do something.
Pattern meaning 'to try to do', 'to be about to do'. Can convey 'to be out to do something'.
He is out to break the world record.
Expresses intention or plan. 'I'm out to...' can be translated with this.
I'm out to win.
English uses 'out' in many phrasal verbs and idioms that don't directly correspond to Japanese words for 'outside' or 'exit'. Always consider the meaning first.
He figured it out.
Check it out.
出る (でる) is intransitive (something goes out by itself). 出す (だす) is transitive (someone puts something out).
to take out the trash
to send a letter
A new book came out.
The battery ran out.
He was out.
そのゲームは廃れた。
That game went out of fashion.
I let the dog out.