Translation guide
The English word 'outlet' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: an electrical socket, a store selling goods directly from a manufacturer, and a means of expressing emotions or creativity. Other meanings like a river outlet or a news outlet are less common in daily conversation.
A point on a wall where you plug in electrical devices.
The most common and natural word for an electrical outlet in Japanese. Derived from 'concentric plug', but now used for any wall socket.
Please plug your smartphone into the outlet.
There are two outlets in this room.
Literally 'insertion opening'. A more descriptive term, often used in instructions or technical contexts.
Connect the power cord to the outlet.
The English loanword 'outlet' is sometimes used for electrical outlets, but it's much less common than コンセント and may cause confusion with the shopping meaning.
Using アウトレット for an electrical socket is not standard and may not be understood. Stick with コンセント.
This outlet doesn't work.
A shop that sells goods directly from the manufacturer, often at discounted prices.
The standard term for an outlet store. Often used in compound words like アウトレットモール (outlet mall).
I went shopping at the outlet on the weekend.
Literally 'direct sale store'. A more formal or descriptive term for a manufacturer's outlet.
You can buy it cheaply at the factory outlet.
A way to release or express strong feelings, energy, or creativity.
The most common metaphorical 'outlet' for emotions, stress, or energy. Literally 'drain outlet', but used figuratively.
Exercise is an outlet for stress.
Literally 'place of release'. Used for an outlet where you can let off steam or express yourself.
Literally 'means of expression'. A more direct translation for a creative outlet.
The point where a river or stream flows out of a lake or into the sea.
A publication or broadcast organization that distributes news.
コンセント means electrical outlet, while アウトレット usually means a shopping outlet. Using the wrong one can cause confusion.
I'm looking for an electrical outlet.
I want to shop at the outlet.
Where is the outlet for this brand?
He makes music as an outlet for his emotions.
Hobbies are an outlet for releasing daily stress.
Painting is an outlet for self-expression for me.
The outlet is clogged.
The news was covered by all outlets.