Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 部外者 | bugaisha | [bɯ̟ɡa̠iɕa̠] (narrow) |
| アウトサイダー | autosaidā | [a̠ɯ̟to̞sa̠ida̠ː] (narrow) |
| 局外者 | kyokugaisha | [kʲo̞kɯ̟ɡa̠iɕa̠] (narrow) |
In Japanese, the term for 'outsider' changes based on whether you are referring to someone outside an organization, someone uninvolved in a specific matter or someone living an unconventional lifestyle.
What does it mean word for word?
The default form 部外者 is composed of 部 (department, section or part), 外 (outside) and 者 (person), literally meaning 'one outside the department/section'.
Which one should you use?
部外者 is typically used to refer to someone who is not a member of a specific organization, company or group. In contrast, 局外者 is more often used to describe someone who is not involved in a particular situation, affair or specific matter at hand. The katakana loanword アウトサイダー is used to describe a person who lives outside social norms or follows an unconventional lifestyle.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
部外者 is frequently used in formal or semi-formal contexts, such as when warning that certain information or areas are restricted to members only.
How do you pronounce it?
bugaisha
Did you know?
- While 部外者 describes an outsider, the concept of the 'insider' is expressed by the word 内輪, which literally means 'inside the hoop'. This imagery suggests a physical circle that separates the group from everyone else.
- If you see 部外者立入禁止 on a sign, it is the standard way to say 'No Trespassing' or 'Authorized Personnel Only'.
- The term アウトサイダー is frequently used in Japanese music and subcultures to evoke a sense of poetic rebellion or a romanticized 'outlaw' lifestyle.
Examples in context
- すみません、部外者ですけど一言言わせてください。Excuse me, I'm an outsider, but please allow me to say a few words.This sentence is useful for apologizing for being an outsider before offering an opinion using 部外者.Tatoeba #3447238 by tommy_san, translation #13569852 by CK
- 外部の方が意見をお持ちですか？Do any outsiders have opinions?
- 彼は異邦人としてこの地域に住んでいますHe lives in this area as an outsider.
- 新しく来た人は他人扱いされることが多いNewcomers are often treated as outsiders.
- 部外者は立ち入り禁止です。bugaisha wa tachiiri kinshi desu.Outsiders are prohibited from entering.
- 彼はこの業界の部外者です。kare wa kono gyoukai no bugaisha desu.He is an outsider to this industry.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are talking about a private party.
- 美咲 Misakiそのパーティーに部外者は入れるの？sono paatii ni bugaisha wa ireru no?Can outsiders go to that party?
- 健太 Kentaいや、招待された人だけだよ。iya, shoutai sareta hito dake da yo.No, only invited people can go.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さんは招待されているの？Kenta-san wa shoutai sarete iru no?Are you invited, Kenta?
- 健太 Kentaうん、僕も招待されているよ。un, boku mo shoutai sarete iru yo.Yes, I am invited too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “outsider” translations and entries 部外者, アウトサイダー, 局外者, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
