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外

外 — outside

Learn the correct stroke order for 外 (outside), a 5-stroke kanji.

JLPT N5Grade 25 strokes

Stroke Order

12345
Stroke 0 / 5
On'yomi (音読み)ガイgai、ゲge
Kun'yomi (訓読み)そとsoto、ほかhoka、はず.すhazusu、はず.れるhazureru、と-to
Strokes5
Radical夕
Frequency#81
Meaningsoutside

Step-by-Step Diagram

1
2
3
4
5

Try Writing It

Practice writing each stroke in the correct order and direction. Start from the green dot.

Draw stroke 1 of 5 — start from the green dot

Common Words

案外あんがいunexpectedly; surprisinglyadverb
以外いがいexcluding; except (for); apart from
意外いがいunexpected; surprising; unanticipatedna-adjective
域外いきがいoutside the areanoun
屋外おくがいoutdoors; outsidenoun
海外かいがいforeign; abroad; overseasnoun

Usage & Examples

Usage Notes

The kanji 外 (outside) is taught in grade 2 of Japanese elementary school and appears at JLPT N5 level. It has 5 strokes with radical 夕.

In newspaper frequency rankings, 外 is #81, making it one of the most commonly used kanji.

Example Words in Context

案外あんがい — unexpectedly; surprisingly
以外いがい — excluding; except (for); apart from
意外いがい — unexpected; surprising; unanticipated

Practice Sheet

Trace then write on your own. Print this row as a PDF practice sheet.

Related Kanji

Same radical (夕)

夕evening多many夜night夢dream

Same reading

下below

Frequently Asked Questions

How many strokes does 外 have?

The kanji 外 (outside) has 5 strokes. Watch the animation above to see the correct order.

What is the correct stroke order for 外?

外 follows the standard Japanese stroke order as taught in schools. Use the step-by-step diagram or the "Try Writing" tool above to practice each stroke in sequence.

What does 外 mean?

外 means: outside. On'yomi readings: ガイ, ゲ. Kun'yomi readings: そと, ほか, はず.す, はず.れる, と-.

What JLPT level is 外?

外 is a JLPT N5 kanji. This is a beginner-level kanji.