Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Go" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "go", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
出かけます
でかけます (dekakemasu)
N5 / 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 出かけます and 外出する.
In Japanese, 出かけます (でかけます (dekakemasu)) is typically associated with "to go out, to leave" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Intransitive verb. Used for leaving a place.
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 "出かけます"
友達と買い物に出かけます。
I go out shopping with my friend.
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: "友達と買い物に ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "I go out shopping with my friend.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "出かけます" fits here because it means "to go out, to leave" in the context of: "I go out shopping with my friend.". "外出する" represents "to go out, to leave (one's home/office)".