The great outdoors
Meaning: Nature and the wilderness, especially as a place for recreation and adventure.
A quintessentially American expression celebrating the country's vast natural landscapes. 'Let's get out into the great outdoors' means escaping civilization for hiking, camping, or any outdoor activity. It carries romantic connotations of frontier spirit, freedom, and the American tradition of national parks and wilderness exploration. Used both sincerely and ironically.
Examples
- We spent the weekend in the great outdoors — just us, a tent, and the mountains. 我们在大自然中度过了周末——只有我们、一顶帐篷和群山。Pasamos el fin de semana en plena naturaleza: solo nosotros, una tienda y las montañas.週末は大自然の中で過ごした——テントと山だけの世界。주말을 대자연 속에서 보냈다——우리와 텐트와 산뿐인 세상.
- Time to put down the phone and enjoy the great outdoors. 是时候放下手机,去享受大自然了。Es hora de soltar el móvil y disfrutar de la naturaleza.スマホを置いて大自然を楽しもうよ。핸드폰 좀 내려놓고 대자연을 즐기자.
- She says she loves the great outdoors but she won't go anywhere without Wi-Fi. 她说她热爱大自然,但没有Wi-Fi的地方她哪儿都不去。Dice que le encanta la naturaleza, pero no va a ningún sitio sin Wi-Fi.彼女は大自然が好きだと言うけど、Wi-Fiがないところには行かない。그녀는 대자연을 좋아한다고 하면서 와이파이 없는 곳에는 안 간다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: nature, recreation, travel
Tone: enthusiastic, wholesome
✓ Do Say
- Let's enjoy the great outdoors.让我们一起享受大自然吧。Vamos a disfrutar de la naturaleza.大自然を楽しもう。대자연을 즐기자.
- Nothing beats the great outdoors.没有什么比大自然更美好的了。No hay nada como la naturaleza.大自然に勝るものはない。대자연만 한 게 없어.
✗ Don't Say
- Can sound corny if overused.用多了可能显得老套。Puede sonar cursi si se usa en exceso.使いすぎると野暮ったく聞こえることがある。너무 남용하면 촌스럽게 들릴 수 있다.
Origin & History
American expression from the 19th century frontier era. Popularized by the conservation movement and figures like Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir.
Cultural Context
Era: 1800s–present
Generation: All generations
Social background: Universal
Regional notes: All regions — especially rural and suburban areas
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