Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Go" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "go", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
出かける
でかける (dekakeru)
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 出かける and 外出する.
In Japanese, 出かける (でかける (dekakeru)) is typically associated with "to go out; to leave home" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents An intransitive verb meaning to leave one's home or current location to go somewhere else, often for leisure or errands. Commonly used in daily conversation. Polite form is 出かけます.
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 "出かける"
週末に友達と買い物に出かけます。
I go out shopping with friends on the weekend.
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: "週末に友達と買い物に出かけます。" (Meaning: "I go out shopping with friends on the weekend.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "出かける" fits here because it means "to go out; to leave home" in the context of: "I go out shopping with friends on the weekend.". "外出する" represents "to go out, to leave (one's home/office)".