Gaining some knowledge of basic Japanese phrases can greatly enhance your communication skills if you ever find yourself in Japan or interacting with Japanese-speaking individuals. One phrase you might commonly use or hear is “go outside.” In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to express this phrase in Japanese. We will also provide some regional variations, although Japanese is generally standardized across the country.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Go Outside”
When you want to express “go outside” in a formal context, such as when speaking to your boss, a senior, or in a business setting, you can use the following phrases:
- 外へ出る (Soto e deru): This is the standard and polite way to say “go outside” in Japanese. You can use this phrase in various situations, including both personal and professional ones.
- 外に出かける (Soto ni dekakeru): This phrase also means “go outside,” but it specifically implies going out for a purpose or an outing. It is suitable when discussing activities like going out with friends or going to an event.
Informal Ways to Say “Go Outside”
When you are in a casual and informal setting, or when speaking to friends, family, or colleagues of the same or lower social status, you can use the following phrases:
- 外に行く (Soto ni iku): This is the standard and commonly used phrase to express “go outside” in everyday conversations. It is perfectly acceptable in most informal situations.
- 外へ出かける (Soto e dekakeru): Similar to the formal form, this phrase implies going outside for a purpose or an outing. Use it when discussing casual plans like going for a walk or shopping.
- 外に出る (Soto ni deru): This is a more direct and straightforward way to say “go outside” in an informal context. It is commonly used when you want to simply express the intention to step outside.
- 外に出ろ (Soto ni dero): This is an imperative form of “go outside.” It is quite direct and can be used among close friends or in situations requiring an assertive tone.
Regional Variations
Japanese is generally standardized across the entire country, and there are no significant regional variations when it comes to saying “go outside.” However, there might be some minor dialectal differences or local variations in vocabulary. For example:
In the Kansai region, including cities like Osaka and Kyoto, people might use the term “外にでる” (Soto ni deru) instead of “外に行く” (Soto ni iku). However, both phrases have the same meaning and are understood throughout Japan.
Examples and Usage Tips
Here are some examples of how to use the various phrases mentioned above:
Using Formal Phrases:
- 明日、外へ出ませんか？(Ashita, soto e demasen ka?): Would you like to go outside tomorrow? (Formal)
- 外に出かける予定があります。(Soto ni dekakeru yotei ga arimasu.): I have plans to go outside (for an outing).
Using Informal Phrases:
- 今日は天気がいいから外に行こうよ。(Kyou wa tenki ga ii kara soto ni ikou yo.): The weather is nice today, so let’s go outside (informal).
- 明日、暇な時に外に出るつもりだよ。(Ashita, hima na toki ni soto ni deru tsumori da yo.): I plan to go outside when I’m free tomorrow (informal).
Remember, when using Japanese phrases, it’s essential to consider politeness levels and the context in which you are speaking. Now that you have learned the formal and informal ways to express “go outside” in Japanese, practice using these phrases to become more confident in your Japanese communication skills. Enjoy exploring the beauty of Japan and have a wonderful time going outside!
