外出

• Reading: がいしゅつ
• Romaji: gaishutsu
• Kanji breakdown: 外 (gai) — outside; 出 (shutsu) — go out, emerge
• Pronunciation: /ɡa.i.ɕɯ.tsɯ/

Meaning

Outing; going out. Leaving one's home or workplace to go somewhere.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (外出する). A straightforward and frequently used word for going out. Common phrases: 外出中 (gaishutsu-chuu, currently out), 外出先 (gaishutsu-saki, where one has gone out to), 外出禁止 (gaishutsu-kinshi, curfew/ban on going out). More neutral and general than お出かけ which has a more pleasant, leisurely nuance.

Examples

1. 今日は一日中外出する予定だ。 I'm planning to be out all day today.
2. 部長は外出中ですので伝言をお預かりします。 The manager is currently out, so I'll take a message.
3. 雨が強いので外出を控えた方がいい。 The rain is heavy, so it's better to avoid going out.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, office, weather

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 外 (gai, outside) and 出 (shutsu, to go out/emerge). A direct and literal combination — 'going outside' in the most basic sense.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal