To Disconnect Something
To Miss Something, To Exclude Something, To Remove Something
transitive verb, godan verb
This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb.
The kanji 外 means outside, and the meaning of this verb is somewhat related. It means to disconnect something. Think of it like this, if you disconnect a plug from a socket, you are taking the plug "outside" of the socket, right? Depending on the context, this verb can also mean to miss something (like the target during archery practice), to remove something, or to exclude something.
This is a transitive verb. That means it takes a direct object. You disconnect something, like a plug, or remove something, like your dog's leash. It's worth mentioning that most verbs ending in す are transitive, so you'll start seeing this pattern as you learn more!
Since this word has okurigana (hiragana attached to the kanji) you know that it's probably going to be a kun'yomi reading. You haven't learned this one yet, so here's a mnemonic to help you:
If you're going to disconnect something, it has (はず) to be the right thing! Don't go disconnecting the wrong plug, you'll cause no end of trouble!
チェックを外す
to uncheck
羽目を外す
to enjoy oneself too much, to let oneself go
カバーを外す
to remove the cover
キャップを外す
to take off the cap, to take off the lid
ネジを外す
to unscrew
ボタンを外す
to unbutton
リストから外す
to remove from a list
本体から外す
to disconnect from the main unit, to detach from the main unit
メンバーから外す
to withdraw someone from a lineup, to exclude someone from a group
外さない
not miss, not remove
コンセントを外したら、出口から出てください。
Once you disconnect the plug, please use the exit.
またターゲットを外してしまった。
I missed the target again.
キョーコをチームから外した。
We excluded Kyoko from the team.
エンジンを外しましょう。
Let's remove the engine.