How to say "abroad" in Japanese

• 海外かいがいJLPT N3approx.Common
  no-adjectiveThe default word for 'abroad' or 'overseas' in ordinary speech and writing, covering travel, study, business, and anything foreign beyond Japan's borders. When in doubt, this is the word to reach for.
  君きみはどれくらいよく海外かいがいに行いきますか。↗

  How often do you go abroad?
• 国外こくがいCommon
  nounMeans 'outside the country' and frames things from the standpoint of the nation, so it suits official, legal, or administrative contexts such as residence status. For casual talk about going abroad, 海外 is the usual choice.
  我々われわれは彼かれを国外こくがいに追放ついほうした。↗

  We banished him from the country.
• 在外ざいがいCommon
  no-adjectiveA formal, written-style term describing people or institutions located overseas, as in official designations for residents or offices abroad. It is not the word for casually saying you went abroad; use 海外 there.

Use 海外 for the everyday sense of 'abroad/overseas'; 国外 stresses being outside the country (often legal or official contexts); 在外 is a formal term for being based or residing overseas.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 海外かいがいforeign
• 国外こくがいoutside the country
• 在外ざいがいoverseas