Meaning

Primary

Outside

Word Type

noun, の adjective

Explanation

The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well.

Note that doesn't always simply indicate the physical position of something. It can also be used figuratively to refer to what's outside of one's inner circle or home.

Reading

そと
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Since this word is made up of a single kanji, it should use the kun'yomi reading. When learning the kanji, you didn't learn that reading, so here's a mnemonic to help you with this word:

You look outside, it's totally frozen. You throw salt (そと) outside to melt the ice.

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • いえの外

    outside the house

    ドアの外

    outside the door

    まどの外

    outside the window

Context Sentences

外でバーベキューしよう。

Let's barbecue outside.

外に大きなサクラの木があります。

There is a big cherry blossom tree outside.

外と中、どっちがすき?

Which do you prefer, outside or inside?

Kanji Composition