dehors
/də.ɔʁ/
The French word for "outside" (adverb) is dehors.
dehors is used as an adverb to describe being or moving outdoors. If you want to emphasize being outside of a particular place, you can use the phrase en dehors de. Additionally, the verb sortir can be used to indicate someone is going outside.
Meaning: outdoors (adv)
Which one should you use?
In contrast, extérieur is typically used as a noun or adjective to refer to the outer part of something.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables: /də.ɔʁ/.
Did you know?
- In French, if you want to tell someone to 'get out' or 'go away' rudely, you simply shout Dehors ! This functions as a sharp command rather than a simple description of location.
- The Latin root 'foris' which forms dehors also gives us the English word 'forum', which was originally an open space or marketplace.
- The phrase en dehors de is frequently used to mean 'apart from' or 'except for' when introducing an exception in a sentence.
Examples in context
- Je t'ai vu dehors.I saw you outside.This sentence shows how to use dehors to describe someone being in an outdoor location.Tatoeba #5662036 by Aiji, translation #2406194 by CK
- Ma mère est dehors.My mother is outside.This sentence illustrates using dehors to state a person's location outdoors.Tatoeba #135055 by Aiji, translation #5587704 by kapunga
- Ne sors pas dehors.Don't go outside.Tatoeba #12419847 by zogwarg, translation #8772782 by deniko
- Je préfère rester dehors pendant les jours ensoleillés.I prefer staying outside during sunny days.
- Veuillez patienter dehors jusqu'à ce que nous vous appelions.Please wait outside until we call you.
- Les enfants jouent joyeusement dehors dans le parc.The children are happily playing outside in the park.
- On se retrouve à l'extérieur de la bibliothèque après les cours ?Shall we meet outside the library after classes?
- L'air est frais à l'extérieur, profitons de cette belle journée !The air is fresh outside, let's make the most of this beautiful day!
- Tu pourrais m'aider à porter ces boîtes à l'extérieur de la maison ?Could you help me carry these boxes outside the house?
- Je suis en dehors de la maisonI am outside the house
- Je sors prendre l'airI am going outside to get some fresh air
- Je préfère rester à l'extérieurI prefer staying outside
- Fermez la porte derrière vous en sortantClose the door behind you when going out
- 354 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding where to sit while waiting for a friend.
- NathanEst-ce qu'on va s'asseoir dehors ?Are we going to sit outdoors?
- ManonOui, il fait beau dehors.Yes, the weather is nice outside.
- NathanTu veux une table dehors ?Do you want a table outside?
- ManonD'accord, allons dehors.Okay, let's go outdoors.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “outside” translations and entries dehors, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dehors, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
