Physical opening or passage through which liquid, gas, or other substances flow out. Often used in technical or everyday contexts like plumbing, ventilation, or drainage.
This pipe is the outlet for rainwater.
Please do not block the gas vent.
Figurative use for a market or distribution channel where goods are sold or distributed. Common in business and economic contexts.
More companies are seeking new markets overseas.
The main outlet for this product is online shopping.
Figurative use for a way to release pent-up emotions, stress, or energy. Often used with words like 感情, ストレス, エネルギー.
He uses sports as an outlet for stress.
Creative activities serve as an outlet for my emotions.
Standard mixed kanji-kana spelling. The kanji 捌け口 is also common, but はけ口 is widely used and avoids the less common kanji 捌.
Rare kanji form. The kanji 吐 suggests 'spitting out' and is occasionally used for emotional venting, but this spelling is uncommon.
Kana spelling. Useful when the kanji are unknown or for clarity.
Kanji spelling using 捌, which is not a jōyō kanji. Commonly seen but may be harder for learners.
Compound of はけ (連用形 of verb はける 'to drain, to flow out') + 口 (mouth, opening). The kanji 捌 and 吐 are ateji applied later to suggest the meanings of 'draining' and 'spitting out' respectively.