外出する
gaishutsu suru
The Japanese phrase for 'to go out' is 外出する (gaishutsu suru).
外出する is used to describe the act of leaving one's residence or abode to visit public places.
Meaning: to leave one's abode to go to public places (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun part of the phrase, 外出, consists of 外 meaning 'outside' and 出 meaning 'to go out' or 'exit'.
Which one should you use?
While both 外出する and 出かける mean 'to go out', 外出する sounds more formal and is often used in written reports, announcements or when describing a person's status, such as being 'out of the office'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
外出する is a formal way to express going out. For a more common and conversational way to say 'to go out', you should use the informal verb 出かける. If you specifically mean 'to go out to work', use the formal term 出社する.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can create a phrase meaning 'currently out' or 'away from one's desk/home' by adding 中 to the noun 外出 to form 外出中.
How do you pronounce it?
gaishutsu suru
Did you know?
- When someone leaves their home, it is common to say 行ってきます, which literally means 'I will go and come back', rather than simply stating they are going out.
- The character 外 in 外出する is also used in the word 外国 meaning 'foreign country', which literally translates to 'outside country'.
- In highly formal contexts, the act of going out for a walk or leisure is often referred to as お出かけ, where the honorific お is added to show respect to the person leaving.
Examples in context
- 外出するより家にいたいんです。I'd rather stay home than go out.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference to stay home instead of using 外出する.Tatoeba #184736 by bunbuku, translation #21864 by Swift
- 外出する前に髪を櫛でときなさい。Comb your hair before you go out.This sentence shows the use of 外出する in the context of preparing oneself before leaving.Tatoeba #184731 by bunbuku, translation #21859 by CK
- 外出するより家にいるほうがいい。I would rather stay at home than go out.This sentence is useful for comparing the preference of staying at home versus using 外出する.Tatoeba #184734 by KK_kaku_, translation #21862 by CK
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is discussing their plans for the weekend.
- 陽葵 Himari今日は外出する予定はありますか？Kyō wa gaishutsu suru yotei wa arimasu ka?Do you have any plans to go out today?
- 健太 Kentaいいえ、家でゆっくりしたいです。Iie, ie de yukkuri shitai desu.No, I want to relax at home.
- 陽葵 Himariでも、天気がいいから外出しましょうよ。Demo, tenki ga ii kara gaishutsu shimashō yo.But the weather is nice, so let's go out.
- 健太 Kentaそうですね。どこかへ行きましょう。Sō desu ne. Doko ka e ikimashō.You're right. Let's go somewhere.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
