外 Outside

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 外 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

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

Common Word Combinations

• 〜の外

  いえの外

  outside the house

  ドアの外

  outside the door

  まどの外

  outside the window

• 外に〜

  外にいる

  to be outside

  外にある

  to be outside

  外に出る

  to go outside

• 外で〜

  外でたべる

  to eat outside

  外であそぶ

  to play outside

  外ではたらく

  to work outside, to work outside the home

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

1. 外

   がい Outside