Japanese word

外部

Pronunciation

Romajigaibu

Meaning

  • nounoutside

Example

外部から音が聞こえます。gai bu ka ra oto ga ki ko e ma su

I can hear a sound from outside.

Illustration for 外部 (outside)

More examples

建物の外部は白く塗られています。tate mono no gai bu wa shiro ku nu ra re te i ma su

The exterior of the building is painted white.

Core concept

It marks the area, side, or group beyond a particular boundary.

Common phrases

  • 外部からgai bu ka ra

    from outside

  • 外部の人gai bu no hito

    outsider

Similar words

外soto: The area or side beyond a boundary, often referring to a physical place.
外側sotogawa: The side or surface that faces away from the center or inside.

Definition in Japanese

建物や組織などの境界の外側にある部分。tate mono ya so shiki na do no kyō kai no soto gawa ni a ru bu bun

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 外 (gai, "outside") and 部 (bu, "part") forms 外部 (gaibu), meaning the part beyond a boundary.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 外部 (gaibu) sounds formal, while 外 (soto) is more common for a physical place outside a room or building.

Other meanings

  • exteriornoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word