Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Go" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "go", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
外出する
がいしゅつする (gaishutsu suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
〜ていく
〜ていく (te iku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "go" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 外出する and 〜ていく.
In Japanese, 外出する (がいしゅつする (gaishutsu suru)) is typically associated with "to go out, to leave (one's home/office)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Specifically means leaving one's current location.
On the other hand, 〜ていく (〜ていく (te iku)) maps to "to go on doing; to continue to; to become (from now on)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Indicates a change or action that moves from the present into the future, or an action moving away from the speaker. It suggests progression, continuity, or future development.. A literal translation of "go" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "〜ていく"
これからも日本語の勉強を続けていきたいです。
I want to continue studying Japanese from now on.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は図書館へ本を借りるために外出しました。" (Meaning: "He went out to borrow a book from the library.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "外出する" fits here because it means "to go out, to leave (one's home/office)" in the context of: "He went out to borrow a book from the library.". "〜ていく" represents "to go on doing; to continue to; to become (from now on)".