Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Go" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "go", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
まいる
まいる (mairu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
外出する
がいしゅつする (gaishutsu suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "go" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between まいる and 外出する.
In Japanese, まいる (まいる (mairu)) is typically associated with "to go, to come (humble form of いく/くる)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 「行く」や「来る」の謙譲語で、自分の行動をへりくだって表現する際に使います。目上の人に対して話す時に用いる丁寧な表現です。Humble form of 'iku' and 'kuru', used to express one's own actions humbly. It's a polite expression used when speaking to superiors..
On the other hand, 外出する (がいしゅつする (gaishutsu suru)) maps to "to go out, to leave (one's home/office)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Specifically means leaving one's current location. A literal translation of "go" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "まいる"
明日、先生の研究室へ参ります。
I will go to the teacher's office tomorrow.
Bilingual Context for "外出する"
彼は図書館へ本を借りるために外出しました。
He went out to borrow a book from the library.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "明日、先生の研究室へ参ります。" (Meaning: "I will go to the teacher's office tomorrow.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "まいる" fits here because it means "to go, to come (humble form of いく/くる)" in the context of: "I will go to the teacher's office tomorrow.". "外出する" represents "to go out, to leave (one's home/office)".