Translation and Meaning of: その外 - sonohoka

The Japanese word その外[そのほか] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances in the language. If you are studying Japanese or are just curious about everyday expressions, understanding its meaning and usage can be quite helpful. In this article, we will explore everything from the basic translation to the cultural context in which this word appears, as well as tips for memorizing it efficiently.

Often translated as "besides" or "other things," その外[そのほか] is a versatile expression that appears in both informal conversations and more formal texts. Its use reflects the way Japanese people organize information, adding extra elements without losing clarity. Let's uncover how and when to use it correctly, avoiding common pitfalls for students.

Significado e tradução de その外[そのほか]

In its most direct form, その外 (そのほか) can be translated as "besides," "others," or "the rest." It functions as a connector that introduces additional information in a list or argument. Unlike some similar expressions, その外 (そのほか) has a neutral tone, and can be used in both casual and professional situations.

It is worth noting that the writing in kanji (その外) is less common in everyday life, appearing more frequently in its hiragana form (そのほか). This preference for simplification reflects a trend in modern Japanese to avoid complex kanji when more accessible alternatives exist. The pronunciation, however, remains the same in both cases.

Everyday use and practical examples

In everyday Japanese, その外[そのほか] frequently appears in shopping lists, instructions, or when enumerating features. Imagine someone describing the ingredients of a dish: "rice, fish, vegetables, and その外[そのほか]". Here, the word encompasses smaller or less relevant items without needing to name them one by one.

In professional contexts, the expression takes on a more formal tone, often introducing secondary points in reports or presentations. A manager might say: "We need to improve sales, customer service, and その外[そのほか]." In this case, it serves to allow room for other considerations without unnecessarily prolonging the speech.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to fix その外 [そのほか] is to visually associate it with its function. The kanji 外 means "outside" or "external," which helps to remember that the word refers to things beyond those already mentioned. This simple etymological connection could be the hook you needed for your memorization.

Interestingly, research from the National Institute of Japanese Language shows that その外[そのほか] appears among the 3,000 most used words in the language, being especially common in manuals and guides. Its popularity is linked to the practicality of summarizing information without losing the overall meaning, a trait valued in Japanese communication.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• その外 (sono hoka) - Moreover; besides
• そのほか (sono hoka) - Furthermore; other things
• その他 (sonota) - Others; the rest
• ほか (hoka) - Outside; out
• 他 (ta) - Other; different

その外

Romaji: sonohoka
Kana: そのほか
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2, jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: furthermore; Additionally; the rest

Meaning in English: besides;in addition;the rest

Definition: Surprising thing. Unexpected thing.

Example Sentences - (その外) sonohoka

See below some example sentences:

その外には何があるのか知りません。

Sono soto ni wa nani ga aru no ka shirimasen

I don't know what's beyond that.

I don't know what's out there.

• その - demonstrative pronoun "that"
• 外に - adverb of place "outside"
• は - Topic particle
• 何 - interrogative pronoun "what"
• が - subject particle
• ある - verb "to exist"
• のか - interrogative particle
• 知りません - verb "not to know"