Translation and Meaning of: 外 - soto

The Japanese word 外[そと] is an essential term for those learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its main meaning is "outside" or "exterior," but its use goes far beyond the literal translation. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and how this word is used in everyday Japanese, along with curiosities that can aid in memorization.

Understanding 外[そと] is essential for everyday situations, such as asking for information or describing places. Moreover, this word appears in various expressions and cultural contexts, making it even more interesting for students. Let's dive into details ranging from its kanji writing to practical tips to remember its meaning.

Meaning and usage of 外 [そと]

外[そと] is a word that describes what is outside of a defined space, whether it's a house, a building, or even a country. In Japanese, it can be used to indicate the external environment in contrast to the internal, as in 外は寒いです (Soto wa samui desu - "It's cold outside"). Its use is quite common in everyday conversations, especially when talking about weather or outdoor activities.

In addition to its physical meaning, 外 can also have a more abstract significance. In some contexts, it refers to what is "out of the ordinary" or "different from what is expected." For example, 外の世界 (soto no sekai) means "the outside world," often used to refer to realities beyond someone's personal experience. This flexibility makes the word even more useful in the Japanese vocabulary.

Origin and writing of the kanji 外

The kanji 外 is composed of two main elements: the radical 夕 (yū), which represents dusk, and 卜 (boku), associated with divination. Originally, this character was related to the idea of "outside" in the sense of something beyond the known or expected. Over time, its meaning expanded to encompass the more general concept of exteriority.

In modern writing, the kanji 外 maintains the notion of something external or different. It is worth noting that it can also be read as "gai" or "ge" in Sino-Japanese compounds, such as 外国 (gaikoku - "foreign country"). This duality of readings is common in kanjis and reinforces the importance of learning not only the meaning but also the contexts in which each pronunciation is used.

Tips for memorizing and using 外 [そと]

An effective way to memorize 外[そと] is to associate it with concrete situations. For example, think about leaving home and feeling the fresh air outside - this image can help reinforce the meaning. Another tip is to practice with simple everyday sentences, like 外で食べましょう (Let's eat outside).

Interestingly, in some regional dialects of Japan, such as in Kansai, the pronunciation may vary slightly, but the meaning remains the same. For those who study Japanese, it's worth paying attention to these small details that enrich the learning experience. Remember also that 外 is often used in contrast to 中[なか] ("inside"), which makes it easier to create mental associations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 外部 (Gaibu) - Outer part, exterior or outside of something.
• 外面 (Gaimen) - External surface, outer appearance.
• 外側 (Sotogawa) - Outer side, the part of the side that faces outward.
• 外部的 (Gaibuteki) - Related to the external; something that comes from outside.
• 外向的 (Gaikōteki) - Extroverted, outward-facing, or social.
• 外交的 (Gaikōteki) - Related to diplomacy or foreign relations.
• 外交官 (Gaikōkan) - Diplomat, representative of one government in another country.
• 外来 (Gairai) - Foreigner, someone from outside or another country.
• 外来語 (Gairaigo) - Foreign words incorporated into Japanese.
• 外科 (Geka) - Surgery or medical specialty related to surgery.
• 外科医 (Geka-i) - Surgeon specialized in surgeries.
• 外資系 (Gaisikei) - Foreign companies or companies with external capital.
• 外国 (Gaikoku) - Foreign country, outside of Japan.
• 外国人 (Gaikokujin) - Foreigner, a person who is not Japanese.
• 外貨 (Gaika) - Foreign currency, money from other countries.

外

Romaji: soto
Kana: そと
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: outside

Meaning in English: outside

Definition: Distinguish from others, be located inside or come from outside.

Example Sentences - (外) soto

See below some example sentences:

領事は外交官の一員です。

Ryōji wa gaikōkan no ichiin desu

The consul is a member of the diplomatic corps.

The consular is a member of the diplomat.

• 領事 - Consul
• は - Topic particle
• 外交官 - Diplomat
• の - Possessive particle
• 一員 - Member
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

野外でキャンプするのは楽しいです。

Nogai de kyanpu suru no wa tanoshii desu

Outdoor camping is fun.

Outdoor camping is fun.

• 野外で - outdoors
• キャンプする - camping
• のは - (particle that indicates the topic of the sentence)
• 楽しい - fun
• です - (particle that indicates the formality of the sentence)

課外活動は楽しいです。

Kagai katsudou wa tanoshii desu

Extracurricular activities are fun.

Extracurricular activities are fun.

• 課外活動 (kagai katsudou) - Extracurricular activities
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 楽しい (tanoshii) - Fun, pleasant
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

意外と美味しいですね。

Igai to oishii desu ne

Surprisingly

It's surprisingly delicious.

• 意外と - unexpectedly
• 美味しい - delicious
• です - is
• ね - NÃO É?

外貨を両替する必要があります。

Gaito wo ryōgae suru hitsuyō ga arimasu

You need to exchange foreign currency.

You need to exchange foreign currency.

• 外貨 - means "foreign currency".
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 両替する - verb meaning "to exchange money".
• 必要 - adjective meaning "necessary".
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• あります - Verb that means "to exist" or "to have".

このネジを外すのは難しいです。

Kono neji o hazusu no wa muzukashii desu

It is difficult to remove this screw.

It's hard to remove this screw.

• この - this
• ネジ - screw
• を - object particle
• 外す - remove
• のは - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 難しい - difficult
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

スカーフを巻いて外出する。

Sukāfu wo maite gaishutsu suru

I go out with a scarf.

Roll up the handkerchief and go out.

• スカーフ (sukāfu) - scarf
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 巻いて (maite) - to roll up, to tie
• 外出する (gaishutsu suru) - leave home

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"

レインコートを着て外出しましょう。

Reinkōto o kite gaishutsu shimashou

Let's go out with a raincoat.

• レインコート - Japanese word meaning "raincoat"
• を - Direct object particle in Japanese.
• 着て - Japanese verb meaning "to wear"
• 外出 - Japanese noun meaning "exit, walk"
• しましょう - verb in Japanese that indicates a suggestion or invitation to do something together, in this case "let's go out together wearing a raincoat"

例外が発生しました。

Regai ga hassei shimashita

An exception occurred.

Exception occurred.

• 例外 - means "exception" in Japanese.
• が - Grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 発生 - means "occurrence" or "appearance" in Japanese.
• しました - past form of the verb "suru", which means "to do" or "to occur".