外
soto[to̞]
The English word 'outside' is translated into Japanese as 外 (soto).
外 can function as a noun meaning 'the outside' or as an adverb meaning 'outdoors' depending on the context and particles used.
Meaning: outdoors (adv)
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the particle へ (e) to 外 emphasizes the direction of movement toward the outdoors. Adding the particle に (ni) to 外 is used when indicating a destination or a specific location outdoors.
How do you pronounce it?
soto
Did you know?
- The concept of 外 is often paired with 内 (uchi) to determine which level of politeness to use. A speaker will switch their entire grammar and vocabulary depending on whether they are talking to someone 'inside' or 'outside' their social group.
- In traditional Japanese architecture, the space between the inside of the house and the 'outside' is often blurred by the engawa, a veranda that is neither fully 内 (uchi) nor fully 外 (soto).
- The kanji for 'outside', 外, is the same character used in the word 外国人 (gaikokujin), which means 'foreigner'.
Examples in context
- 外は雪だよ。It's snowing outside.This example shows how to use 外 to describe the weather outdoors.Tatoeba #3029987 by tommy_san, translation #3052444 by WestofEden
- 外は寒いよ。It is cold outside.This example shows how to use 外 to describe the temperature outdoors.Tatoeba #3051171 by tommy_san, translation #2085301 by freddy1
- 外に行くの？Are you going outside?This example shows how to use 外 when asking about movement to the outdoors.Tatoeba #8717287 by bunbuku, translation #2890939 by CK
- 外で遊びましょう。Let's play outside.
- 外側のドアが開いています。The outside door is open.
- ちょっと外に出てくる。I'll step outside for a moment.
- 300 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are talking in their living room about going for a walk.
- 結衣 Yui外は天気がいいよ。soto wa tenki ga ii yo.The weather is nice outside.
- 蓮 Renじゃあ、外に出よう。jaa, soto ni deyou.Then, let's go outside.
- 結衣 Yui外は少し風が強いかも。soto wa sukoshi kaze ga tsuyoi kamo.It might be a little windy outside.
- 蓮 Ren大丈夫、ジャケットを着るよ。daijoubu, jaketto o kiru yo.It's okay, I'll wear a jacket.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “outside” translations and entries 外, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
