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:

外国に行きたいです。

Gaikoku ni ikitai desu

I want to go abroad.

• 外国 - "Foreign country"
• に - particle that indicates the target or destination of an action
• 行きたい - "Want to go"
• です - Particle indicating the polite or formal form of a sentence

外出する予定があります。

Gaishutsu suru yotei ga arimasu

I have plans to leave.

I intend to leave.

• 外出する - verb meaning "to leave home"
• 予定 - noun meaning "plan, program"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• あります - verb meaning "to have, to exist"

外科手術が必要です。

Gekase shujutsu ga hitsuyou desu

Surgery is required.

• 外科手術 - General surgery
• が - subject particle
• 必要 - necessary
• です - verb to be in the polite form

外相は日本の外交政策を担当します。

Gaisou wa Nihon no gaikou seisaku wo tantou shimasu

The foreign minister is responsible for Japanese foreign policy.

• 外相 - Minister of Foreign Affairs
• は - Topic marking particle
• 日本 - Japan
• の - Possessive particle
• 外交政策 - Foreign policy
• を - Direct object particle
• 担当します - Responsible for

外部からの攻撃に備えてセキュリティを強化しました。

Gai bu kara no kōgeki ni sonaete sekyuriti o kyōka shimashita

We strengthen security to protect ourselves from external attacks.

We strengthen security in preparation for external attacks.

• 外部からの攻撃に備えて - Prepared for external attacks
• セキュリティを - Security
• 強化しました - Reinforced

屋外で遊ぶのが好きです。

Yokugai de asobu no ga suki desu

I like to play outdoors.

• 屋外 - It means "outdoor" in Japanese.
• で - is a particle that indicates where the action takes place.
• 遊ぶ - It means "play" in Japanese.
• のが - it is a particle that indicates the continuation of the sentence.
• 好き - It means "like" in Japanese.
• です - It is a particle that indicates the end of a sentence and is used to express politeness.

干し物を外に干しています。

Hoshimono wo soto ni hoshite imasu

I'm hanging my clothes to dry outside.

Dry food is dry outside.

• 干し物 - clothes hanging to dry
• を - object particle
• 外に - outside
• 干しています - hanging to dry

海外旅行が大好きです。

Kaigai ryokou ga daisuki desu

I love traveling abroad.

• 海外旅行 - Trip abroad
• が - Subject particle
• 大好き - like it a lot
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

特派員は海外からの報告をする。

Tokuhain wa kaigai kara no hōkoku o suru

Report from foreign correspondents.

• 特派員 - special correspondent
• は - Topic particle
• 海外 - foreign
• から - particle that indicates origin
• の - Particle that indicates possession
• 報告 - report, information
• を - direct object particle
• する - to do, to accomplish

私は郊外での散歩が好きです。

Watashi wa kōgai de no sanpo ga suki desu

I like to walk around the city.

I like to walk in the suburbs.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 郊外 (kōgai) - Noun that means "suburb"
• で (de) - Particle that indicates the place where the action occurs
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession or relationship between words
• 散歩 (sanpo) - noun that means "walk"
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 好き (suki) - The adjective that means "to like" is "gostoso" or "agradável."
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or formal form of the sentence