出かける

• Reading: でかける
• Romaji: dekakeru
• Kanji breakdown: 出 (shutsu/de) — to go out, to exit
• Pronunciation: /de.ka.ke.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To go out (on an outing or errand); to head out; to leave. Implies going somewhere with a purpose.

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb. Unlike the simpler 出る, 出かける implies leaving one's home or current location for a specific destination or activity. Commonly used when talking about going shopping, meeting friends, or running errands. Polite form is 出かけます.

Examples

1. 日曜日に友達と出かけます。 I'm going out with a friend on Sunday.
2. 母は買い物に出かけています。 My mom is out shopping.
3. 雨が降っているけど、出かけなければならない。 It's raining, but I have to go out.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, weekend plans, socialising

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

A compound verb formed from 出 (de, out) and かける (kakeru, to start/set about). Together they convey the sense of setting out or heading somewhere.

Cultural Context

Era: Medieval

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal