外
Meanings
The physical space outside a building, room, or enclosed area. Often used with location particles に/で.
It's raining outside.
The children are playing outside.
the open air; outdoors
Emphasizes being out in the open, away from indoor confinement. Common in phrases like 外の空気 (fresh air).
Let's go get some fresh air outside for a change.
outside one's group; elsewhere; other place
Refers to people or places outside one's own family, company, or social circle. Antonym of うち (in-group).
Antonyms: うち
I have few opportunities to talk with people outside the company.
Did something happen elsewhere?
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉の外に出るto go outside a place
I stepped outside the room to make a phone call.
- 外で〈動詞〉to do something outdoors
The children are playing outside.
- 外の〈人〉people from outside one's group
I don't talk about family matters with people outside the family.
- 外の空気を吸うto get some fresh outdoor air
You should get some fresh air outside once in a while.
- 外は〈形容詞〉it's ... outside (weather)
It's raining outside.
Expressions
- 蚊帳の外being left out; being excluded; being kept in the dark
- 内裸でも外錦keep up appearances; dress up outwardly despite inner poverty
- 家を外にするbe out of the house often; spend little time at home; go out a lot
- 鬼は外福は内out with the demon, in with fortune
- 蚊帳の外に置くleave out of the loop; leave in the dark; exclude from a group
- 心内にあれば色外にあらわるwhat you believe in your heart is revealed in your face