郊外

• Reading: こうがい
• Romaji: kougai
• Kanji breakdown: 郊 (kō) — outskirts, suburbs; 外 (gai) — outside
• Pronunciation: /koː.ɡa.i/

Meaning

Suburbs; outskirts. The residential areas surrounding a city centre.

A noun describing areas on the periphery of a city, typically residential with lower population density than the urban core. In Japan, many people live in 郊外 and commute to the city centre by train. Often associated with larger homes, shopping malls, and a quieter lifestyle compared to the busy city.

Examples

1. 郊外に大きなショッピングモールができました。 A large shopping mall was built in the suburbs.
2. 最近は郊外に住む人が増えています。 Recently, more and more people are living in the suburbs.
3. 週末に郊外のキャンプ場へ行きました。 We went to a campground in the suburbs over the weekend.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, real estate, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Combines 郊 (outskirts/suburbs) and 外 (outside). The kanji 郊 itself contains 交 (intersect) and 邑 (village), suggesting the area where the city meets the countryside.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal