How to say "exterior" in Japanese

• 外そとJLPT N5approx.Common
  nounThe general word for the outside: the area beyond something, as opposed to the inside. For the exterior of a building or an outer finish, a more specific word is usually better.
  あるものの意味いみがわかるためには、そのものの外そとに出でて、離はなれたところからそれを経験けいけんすることができなければならない。↗

  You have to be outside something, able to experience it from a distance, before it makes sense.
• 外側そとがわCommon
  no-adjectiveRefers to the outer side of something — the side facing away from the inside. Suits the exterior of an object or its outer surface; it identifies a side rather than the space beyond.
  水みずは外側そとがわから供給きょうきゅうされた。↗

  Water was supplied from outside.
• 外部がいぶJLPT N2approx.Common
  no-adjectiveTreats the exterior as an area — the outside of a building or structure, set against its interior. Use it for the outside region itself rather than a side or a finish.
• 外装がいそうCommon
  no-adjectiveThe exterior as an outer covering or finish: building cladding, product packaging, a vehicle's outer body. It denotes the outer layer itself, not the space outside.
• うわべCommon
  nounReally means the surface, often with a figurative sense of outward show or superficiality; for a physical exterior it is seldom the word you want. Usually written in kana.
  彼かれは彼女かのじょのうわべだけの好意こういにだまされた。↗

  He was deceived by her apparent friendliness.

Use 外 for the general outside, 外側 for the outer side of something, 外部 for the exterior of a building or structure, 外装 for an outer covering or finish, and 「うわべ」 for surface or outward appearance.

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

• 外そとoutside
• 外側そとがわexterior
• 外部がいぶoutside (e.g. of a building)
• 外装がいそうexterior
• うわべexterior
• 外面がいめんouter surface
• エクステリアexterior (of a building, incl. gates, fences, hedges, plants, etc.)
• 上面うわつらsurface
• アウトサイドoutside
• 外構えそとがまえoutward appearance (of a house)
• 表面ひょうめんoutside
• 表おもてoutside