How to Say “To Go Out” in Japanese: Formal and Informal Ways

Learning how to express the notion of “to go out” in Japanese is essential for effective communication, whether in formal or informal settings. In this guide, we’ll explore various expressions and provide tips and examples to help you grasp this concept with ease.

Formal Ways to Say “To Go Out”

1. 出かける (dekakeru):

出かける is a versatile and commonly used verb meaning “to go out” in a formal context. It emphasizes the action of leaving one’s current location to go elsewhere. For example:

仕事に出かけます。(Shigoto ni dekakemasu.) – I’m going out for work.

2. 外出する (gaishutsu suru):

外出する is a more formal expression that specifically refers to going out of the house or leaving a particular location. It is often used in professional or official settings:

会議のため外出します。(Kaigi no tame gaishutsu shimasu.) – I will go out for a meeting.

3. 外に出る (soto ni deru):

外に出る is a polite way to convey the idea of going outside. While it may seem similar to 出かける (dekakeru), it implies a shorter excursion. It’s frequently used when leaving briefly for a specific purpose:

新聞を買いに外に出ます。(Shinbun o kai ni soto ni demasu.) – I’m going out to buy a newspaper.

Informal Ways to Say “To Go Out”

1. 出る (deru):

出る is the most common and casual way to express “to go out” in informal situations. Though it can be used in various contexts, it’s best suited for everyday conversations or with close friends:

友達と出かけるよ。(Tomodachi to deru yo.) – I’m going out with friends.

2. でかける (dekakeru):

でかける is a more colloquial version of 出かける (dekakeru) mentioned earlier. It is widely used in casual conversations:

遊びにでかけるよ。(Asobi ni dekakeru yo.) – I’m going out to have fun.

3. 外に出る (soto ni deru):

As mentioned before, 外に出る (soto ni deru) can also be used in informal settings. It’s a polite way to express going outside:

散歩に外に出るよ。(Sanpo ni soto ni deru yo.) – I’m going out for a walk.

Useful Tips and Examples

1. Verb + に行く (ni iku):

Instead of using specific phrases for “to go out,” you can also pair verbs with に行く (ni iku). This structure conveys the meaning of going somewhere. For instance:

映画に行く (Eiga ni iku) – to go to the movies

公園に行く (Kōen ni iku) – to go to the park

2. Pay Attention to Context:

In Japanese, context is crucial. Depending on the situation, you may need to provide additional information about where you are going or the purpose of your outing. Here’s an example:

食料品店に買い物に行くよ。(Shokuryōhin-ten ni kaimono ni iku yo.) – I’m going to the grocery store to do some shopping.

3. Regional Variations:

While the expressions provided above are commonly used throughout Japan, it’s important to note that there might be slight variations across regions. For example, in Osaka dialect, 出かける (dekakeru) may be pronounced as 出てくる (detekuru). However, these nuances are not essential for everyday communication.

Remember, the key to mastering any language is practice. Try using these expressions in various situations to become more comfortable with them. With time and effort, you’ll gain confidence in expressing “to go out” in Japanese formally and informally.