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.

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

  外ではたらく

  to work outside the home

  外であそぶ

  to play outside

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