圏外

• Reading: けんがい
• Romaji: kengai
• Kanji breakdown: 圏 (ken) — sphere, zone, range; 外 (gai) — outside
• Pronunciation: /keɴ.ɡai/

Meaning

Outside a region or area; out of range (of a mobile network, radar, etc.); out of contention.

A noun most commonly encountered in modern life referring to being outside mobile phone signal range (携帯が圏外). Also used metaphorically for being outside a sphere of influence or out of contention in competitions. The opposite is 圏内 (within range/area). Frequently seen on phone displays and in travel contexts.

Examples

1. 山の中ではスマホが圏外になることが多い。 In the mountains, your phone often has no signal.
2. この候補者は当選圏外だと予想されている。 This candidate is expected to be out of the running for election.
3. トンネルに入ったら電波が圏外になった。 Once we entered the tunnel, we lost all signal.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, mobile phones, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 圏 (sphere, zone, range) + 外 (outside). Literally means outside the sphere or zone.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal