Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Go" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "go", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
行きます
いきます (ikimasu)
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 行きます and 外出する.
In Japanese, 行きます (いきます (ikimasu)) is typically associated with "to go (polite form)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Polite form of 行く.
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 "行きます"
学校へ行きます。
I go to school.
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: "学校へ ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "I go to school.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "行きます" fits here because it means "to go (polite form)" in the context of: "I go to school.". "外出する" represents "to go out, to leave (one's home/office)".