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B1 noun #2,000 le plus courant 12 min de lecture

〜以外

igai Top 2,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 〜以外 en 30 secondes

Explication 〜以外 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning your Japanese journey. You are learning basic greetings, how to introduce yourself, and simple sentence structures using words like 'desu' and 'masu'. The word 以外 (igai) is generally considered a bit too advanced for absolute beginners, as it requires an understanding of how to modify nouns and connect clauses. However, it is a very useful concept to introduce early on because it helps you express what you DO NOT want or what is NOT included. Imagine you are at a restaurant in Japan and you want to say 'I eat everything except meat'. While an A1 student might just say 'Niku wa tabemasen' (I don't eat meat), learning the word 以外 allows you to say 'Niku igai wa tabemasu' (I eat except meat). The most important thing to know at this stage is that 以外 means 'except' or 'other than'. You simply put the thing you want to exclude right before the word 以外. For example, 'Kore' means 'this'. 'Kore igai' means 'other than this'. 'Watashi' means 'me'. 'Watashi igai' means 'other than me'. You don't need to worry about complex grammar rules yet. Just remember that placing a noun before 以外 creates a boundary. It is a very visual word. Think of a circle. The noun before 以外 is inside the circle, and 以外 points to everything outside of that circle. Even if you don't use it in your own speaking yet, you will definitely see it on signs in Japan, like 'Staff Only' signs which use the word 以外 to mean 'except staff'. Recognizing this kanji combination early will be very helpful for your reading comprehension.

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At the A2 level, you are starting to build more complex sentences and express your preferences, daily routines, and basic needs more clearly. This is the perfect time to start actively using 以外 (igai) in your daily Japanese. At this stage, you should focus on the most common and straightforward usage: Noun + 以外. You now know enough vocabulary to make this very useful. For example, you can talk about your schedule: 'Nichiyoubi igai wa isogashii desu' (I am busy except on Sundays). You can talk about your diet: 'Yasai igai wa suki desu' (I like everything except vegetables). The key grammar point to master at A2 is the use of the particle 'wa' (は) after 以外. When you say '〜以外は' (〜igai wa), you are making the exception the topic of the sentence. It strongly emphasizes that the thing before 以外 is the ONLY exception. Another important pattern to learn at this level is using 以外 to ask questions. If you are shopping and don't like the color of a shirt, you can point to it and ask, 'Kore igai wa arimasu ka?' (Do you have anything other than this?). This is incredibly practical for navigating stores and restaurants. You should also start noticing the difference between 以外 meaning 'except' and 'besides'. If you say 'Eigo igai ni, Nihongo mo hanashimasu' (Besides English, I also speak Japanese), the particle 'ni' (に) and the word 'mo' (も) help show that you are adding something, not excluding it. Practice attaching different nouns to 以外 and using simple verbs like 'arimasu', 'desu', and 'suki desu' to build your confidence with this essential word.

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The B1 level is where 以外 (igai) truly shines and becomes a core part of your active vocabulary. You are now moving beyond simple noun + 以外 constructions and starting to use verbs and adjectives before it. This unlocks a massive amount of expressive power. At B1, you must master the rule that verbs preceding 以外 must be in the plain form (dictionary form or ta-form). For example, 'Taberu igai no koto' (Things other than eating) or 'Mita igai no hito' (People other than those who saw it). You also need to become highly proficient with the particles that follow 以外. You must clearly distinguish between 以外の (igai no) to modify nouns, 以外に (igai ni) to modify verbs, and 以外は (igai wa) to mark the topic. A classic B1 mistake is saying 'Kore igai ni hon' instead of the correct 'Kore igai no hon' (Books other than this). Furthermore, B1 is the level where you should start using the powerful double negative construction: Verb (dictionary form) + 以外にない (igai ni nai). This translates to 'have no choice but to [verb]'. For example, 'Ayamaru igai ni nai' (I have no choice but to apologize). This structure is extremely common in both spoken and written Japanese to express a lack of alternatives. You will also start encountering 以外 in more abstract contexts, such as discussing ideas, plans, and hypothetical situations. Your reading comprehension at B1 will heavily rely on understanding the nuances of 以外 in longer, more complex sentences, especially distinguishing whether it means 'excluding' or 'in addition to' based on the surrounding context.

At the B2 level, your use of 以外 (igai) should be fluid, natural, and highly nuanced. You are no longer just using it to state simple exceptions; you are using it to structure complex arguments, define precise parameters, and express subtle emotional states. At this stage, you should be comfortable using 以外 with abstract nouns and complex relative clauses. For example, instead of just 'Kore igai' (other than this), you might say 'Kare ga teian shita keikaku igai no sentakushi' (Options other than the plan he proposed). You should also be highly attuned to the register and formality of the word. While 以外 is appropriate for most situations, at B2 you should know when to swap it for more formal equivalents like を除いて (o nozoite) in business emails or academic writing. You will also encounter 以外 in idiomatic expressions and fixed phrases. For instance, 'Sore igai no nani mono demo nai' (It is nothing other than that / It is exactly that) is a strong, emphatic phrase used to assert a truth. In reading, B2 learners will see 以外 used extensively in news articles, opinion pieces, and literature to set up contrasts and define the scope of a topic. You must be able to instantly parse whether a sentence like 'A igai ni B mo aru' means 'A and B' or 'Only B, not A' without hesitation. Mastery at this level means using 以外 not just correctly, but elegantly, ensuring your sentences flow naturally and convey your exact intended meaning without ambiguity.

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At the C1 level, your understanding of 以外 (igai) is near-native. You are dealing with highly advanced, specialized, and abstract Japanese. In these contexts, 以外 is often used in legal, technical, and academic documents where absolute precision is required. You will encounter it in complex contractual language, such as 'Hensaigimu wa, honkeiyaku ni sadameru baai o nozoku igai, menjo sarenai' (The obligation to repay shall not be exempted except in cases stipulated in this contract). Notice how it can be combined with other exclusionary words for legal redundancy and clarity. At C1, you are also sensitive to the psychological and rhetorical weight of 以外. When a politician or a writer uses '〜以外に道はない' (There is no path other than...), you understand the rhetorical strategy of presenting a false dilemma or emphasizing the inevitability of a decision. You can seamlessly switch between 以外, を除いて, 他に, and 別として depending on the exact micro-nuance you wish to convey. Furthermore, you can use 以外 playfully or sarcastically in high-level conversation. You understand how the kanji 以 and 外 function conceptually across the entire Japanese lexicon, allowing you to guess the meaning of rare or archaic words that use similar structures. Your production of sentences using 以外 is flawless, with perfect particle selection and clause integration, even when speaking at a fast pace about complex, abstract topics.

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At the C2 level, you possess a master's understanding of 以外 (igai). You comprehend its historical etymology, its usage in classical Japanese literature (kobun), and its subtle shifts in meaning across different dialects and historical periods. You recognize that while 以外 is a standard modern word, its roots tie deeply into the Chinese philosophical concepts of 'inner' and 'outer' boundaries. In contemporary usage, you can manipulate 以外 to create highly sophisticated literary effects. You might use it in poetry or creative writing to establish a sense of isolation or absolute singularity. You are fully capable of reading and drafting complex legal statutes, corporate bylaws, and philosophical treatises where the precise placement of 以外 determines the entire meaning of a paragraph. You can engage in deep linguistic debates about the semantic differences between 以外 and its synonyms, explaining these nuances to native speakers. At this level, the word is not just a grammatical tool; it is a conceptual framework that you use to categorize and articulate the world in Japanese with absolute mastery and artistic flair. You understand every possible permutation, every double negative, and every idiomatic edge case associated with this fundamental yet profoundly deep vocabulary item.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

〜以外 en 30 secondes

Means 'except' or 'other than'.
Attaches directly to nouns (Noun + 以外).
Requires 'no' (の) before another noun.
Can mean 'besides' with 'ni' (に).

The Japanese word 以外 (igai) is an incredibly versatile and fundamental vocabulary item that learners typically encounter around the CEFR B1 level. At its absolute core, 以外 functions as a noun or a suffix that establishes a boundary of exclusion or exception, translating most directly to 'except for', 'other than', 'excluding', or 'besides' in English. To truly grasp the depth of what this word means, we must first look at the kanji characters that compose it. The first character, 以 (i), is a very common prefix in Japanese that denotes a starting point, a means, or a reference point for comparison. You see it in words like 以上 (ijo - more than), 以下 (ika - less than), and 以内 (inai - within). The second character, 外 (gai or soto), simply means 'outside' or 'exterior'. When you combine these two concepts, you get a literal translation of 'outside of the reference point'. Therefore, when you attach a noun or a verb phrase to the front of 以外, you are drawing a conceptual circle around that item and pointing to everything that exists outside of that circle. This is why it translates so perfectly to 'except'. However, the meaning of 以外 can subtly shift depending on the context and the particles that follow it. In some cases, it means strictly 'excluding' something, while in other cases, it can mean 'in addition to' or 'besides'. For example, if you say 'りんご以外は食べない' (ringo igai wa tabenai), you are saying 'I eat nothing except apples'—an exclusive meaning. But if you say '英語以外に、フランス語も話せる' (eigo igai ni, furansugo mo hanaseru), you are saying 'Besides English, I can also speak French'—an inclusive or additive meaning. This dual nature often trips up learners, but it makes perfect sense when you remember the core concept: 'outside of this thing'. Whether you are excluding the thing or adding to it depends entirely on the rest of the sentence.

Exclusive Meaning: When used with a negative verb, it means 'only' or 'nothing but'. The focus is on excluding everything else.

私は肉以外のものは何でも食べます。

Additive Meaning: When used with particles like に (ni) and positive verbs, it means 'in addition to' or 'besides'.

日本語以外に、中国語も勉強しています。

Understanding this word is crucial for navigating daily life in Japan, as it appears constantly in rules, regulations, dietary restrictions, and personal preferences. It is the standard, polite, and most common way to establish exceptions. Furthermore, 以外 can be attached directly to nouns without any intervening particles, making it function almost like a suffix. For instance, '関係者以外' (kankeisha igai) means 'other than authorized personnel'. This seamless attachment is a hallmark of its usage.

Double Negative Construction: A very common advanced pattern is verb + 以外にない, meaning 'have no choice but to'.

もう謝る以外に方法はない。

彼以外の人は皆帰りました。

これ以外のサイズはありますか。

In summary, 以外 is a spatial metaphor applied to abstract concepts. It draws a line in the sand and points outward. Mastering it allows you to express complex ideas about inclusion, exclusion, limitation, and addition with a single, elegant word. It is a cornerstone of intermediate Japanese grammar and an indispensable tool for clear communication.

Using 以外 (igai) correctly requires a solid understanding of Japanese particles and word order, as its function changes significantly based on what comes before and after it. The most basic and frequent usage is attaching it directly to a noun. Unlike many other grammatical structures, you do not need the particle の (no) between the noun and 以外. You simply place them together: 名詞 (Noun) + 以外. For example, '猫以外' (neko igai) means 'other than cats' or 'except cats'. This direct attachment makes it function almost like a suffix. However, the real complexity arises when you decide what to do after 以外. Because 以外 itself acts as a noun, it must be followed by appropriate particles to connect it to the rest of the sentence. The three most common particles used with 以外 are の (no), に (ni), and は (wa). Let's break these down in exhaustive detail. First, 以外の (igai no). You use this when 以外 is modifying another noun. The structure is [Noun A] + 以外 + の + [Noun B]. This translates to 'Noun B other than Noun A'. For instance, '仕事以外の時間' (shigoto igai no jikan) means 'time other than work' or 'free time'. This is crucial because you cannot just say '仕事以外時間'; the の is mandatory to link the two noun phrases.

Modifying Nouns: Always use 以外の when placing a noun directly after the exception.

水以外の飲み物はありますか。

Second, 以外に (igai ni). This turns the phrase into an adverbial modifier, affecting the verb of the sentence. It often translates to 'besides' or 'in addition to' when used with a positive verb, and 'except for' when used with a negative verb. For example, 'これ以外に質問はありますか' (kore igai ni shitsumon wa arimasu ka) means 'Do you have any questions besides this?'.

Adverbial Usage: Use 以外に to modify the action or state described by the verb.

英語以外に何語が話せますか。

Third, 以外は (igai wa). This uses the topic marker to strongly emphasize the exception, often followed by a negative statement to mean 'only'. '日曜日以外は働いています' (nichiyoubi igai wa hataraite imasu) means 'I work on days other than Sunday' (I only have Sunday off).

Topic Marking: Use 以外は to set the exception as the topic, usually contrasting it with everything else.

彼以外は全員出席しました。

When using verbs before 以外, you must use the plain form (dictionary form or ta-form). For example, '食べる以外' (taberu igai) means 'other than eating'. A very powerful grammatical pattern is Verb (dictionary form) + 以外にない (igai ni nai), which means 'there is no choice but to [verb]'. This double negative is extremely common in both spoken and written Japanese to express a lack of alternatives. '待つ以外にない' (matsu igai ni nai) means 'We have no choice but to wait'.

歩いて帰る以外に方法がなかった。

これ以外でお願いします。

In formal writing, you might also see 以外 followed by the copula だ (da) or です (desu) at the end of a sentence to simply state 'It is something else'. For example, '問題はそれ以外だ' (mondai wa sore igai da) meaning 'The problem is something other than that'. Mastering these particle combinations and verb connections is the key to using 以外 fluently and naturally in any situation.

The word 以外 (igai) is omnipresent in Japanese society, appearing in an incredibly wide array of contexts ranging from the most casual daily conversations to the most rigid legal documents. Because it is the standard way to express exceptions and additions, you will encounter it constantly if you live in Japan or consume Japanese media. Let's explore the specific environments where this word thrives, providing a comprehensive overview of its practical applications. First and foremost, you will see 以外 on countless signs and public notices. Japan is a society that relies heavily on clear rules and boundaries, and 以外 is the perfect tool for defining them. The most classic example is '関係者以外立入禁止' (kankeisha igai tachiiri kinshi), which translates to 'No entry except for authorized personnel' or simply 'Staff Only'. You will see this on doors in stores, offices, hospitals, and construction sites.

Public Signs: Used extensively to denote who is excluded from an area or action.

関係者以外立入禁止。

Another common sign is '燃えるゴミ以外' (moeru gomi igai) meaning 'garbage other than burnable garbage', which is crucial for navigating Japan's strict trash sorting systems. In the realm of business and customer service, 以外 is used to clarify conditions, limitations, and options. If you are shopping online, you might see a note saying 'クレジットカード以外のお支払い方法' (kurejitto kaado igai no oshiharai houhou), meaning 'payment methods other than credit card'.

Customer Service: Used to politely explain alternative options or restrictions to customers.

平日以外は営業しておりません。

In daily conversation, 以外 is frequently used to discuss dietary habits, preferences, and schedules. If someone is a vegetarian, they might say '肉以外なら何でも食べられます' (niku igai nara nandemo taberaremasu), meaning 'I can eat anything except meat'. If you are trying to schedule a meeting, you might say '火曜日以外は空いています' (kayoubi igai wa aite imasu), meaning 'I am free on days other than Tuesday'.

Daily Conversation: Essential for expressing personal boundaries, schedules, and preferences.

これ以外に何か必要なものはありますか。

Furthermore, in Japanese pop culture, such as anime, manga, and dramas, 以外 is often used in dramatic or romantic declarations. A classic trope is a character saying 'お前以外ありえない' (omae igai arienai), which translates to 'It can't be anyone other than you' or 'You're the only one for me'. Another common dramatic line is '戦う以外に道はない' (tatakau igai ni michi wa nai), meaning 'There is no path other than to fight'.

君以外愛せない。

逃げる以外に選択肢はない。

Finally, in formal and academic writing, 以外 is used to define the scope of a study or the parameters of a legal argument. It is a precise word that leaves little room for ambiguity, making it ideal for contracts and technical manuals. By paying attention to these various contexts, you will quickly realize that 以外 is not just a vocabulary word to memorize, but a structural pillar of Japanese communication.

While 以外 (igai) is a straightforward concept in theory, its application in Japanese sentences often leads to several common mistakes for learners. These errors usually stem from confusion with similar-sounding words, incorrect particle usage, or a misunderstanding of how double negatives work in Japanese. By exploring these pitfalls in detail, you can learn to use 以外 with native-like accuracy. The most frequent and perhaps most dangerous mistake is confusing 以外 (igai - except/other than) with 以内 (inai - within). Because they share the first kanji (以) and sound somewhat similar, learners often swap them, leading to disastrous miscommunications. For example, if a sign says '３日以内' (mikka inai), it means 'within 3 days'. If you accidentally say '３日以外' (mikka igai), you are saying 'other than 3 days', which makes no sense in a deadline context.

Vocabulary Confusion: Never confuse 以外 (outside of/except) with 以内 (inside of/within).

❌ １週間以外に提出してください。

⭕️ １週間以内に提出してください。

Another major source of errors is particle usage, specifically choosing between 以外に (igai ni) and 以外の (igai no). Learners often use に when they should use の. Remember the golden rule: if a noun immediately follows the exception phrase, you must use の. For example, 'books other than manga' must be 'マンガ以外の本' (manga igai no hon). If you say 'マンガ以外に本', it sounds disjointed and grammatically incorrect, roughly translating to 'Besides manga, book'.

Particle Errors: Use 以外の before nouns, and 以外に before verbs or adjectives.

❌ 私以外に人は知りません。

⭕️ 私以外の人は知りません。

A third common mistake involves the double negative construction '〜以外にない' (igai ni nai), meaning 'have no choice but to'. English speakers often try to translate 'I have to do X' using this structure when a simple '〜なければならない' (nakereba naranai) would be more natural. While 'やる以外にない' (yaru igai ni nai) is grammatically correct, it carries a heavy, dramatic nuance of being backed into a corner with absolutely zero alternatives. Overusing it in casual situations sounds melodramatic.

Over-dramatization: Reserve 〜以外にない for situations where you truly have zero other options.

❌ 宿題をする以外にない。（Too dramatic for normal homework）

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the dual meaning of 以外 (except vs. besides). If you say '英語以外話せる' (eigo igai hanaseru), it can be ambiguous. Do you mean you can speak languages other than English (but not English), or do you mean you can speak English AND other languages? To clarify, use particles. '英語以外は話せる' (eigo igai wa hanaseru) means 'I can speak everything EXCEPT English'. '英語以外にも話せる' (eigo igai ni mo hanaseru) means 'I can speak other languages BESIDES English'. Precision with particles is the ultimate key to avoiding mistakes with 以外.

The Japanese language offers several ways to express the concepts of exception, exclusion, and addition. While 以外 (igai) is the most common and versatile, understanding its synonyms and related phrases will significantly enrich your vocabulary and allow you to express finer nuances. Let's explore the words that are most similar to 以外, comparing their usage, formality, and specific connotations. The most direct synonym for the 'besides' or 'in addition to' meaning of 以外 is 他に (hoka ni). Both can be used to indicate that something exists alongside the primary subject. For example, 'これ以外に質問はありますか' (kore igai ni shitsumon wa arimasu ka) and 'この他に質問はありますか' (kono hoka ni shitsumon wa arimasu ka) both mean 'Do you have any questions besides this?'. However, 他に feels slightly softer and more conversational, while 以外 is more direct and objective.

他に (hoka ni): Meaning 'other than' or 'besides'. Very common in spoken Japanese, slightly less formal than 以外.

これ以外の方法 / この他の方法

When focusing strictly on the 'excluding' or 'except for' meaning, a very common and slightly more formal alternative is を除いて (o nozoite). This comes from the verb 除く (nozoku), which means 'to remove' or 'to exclude'. While '日曜日以外は働きます' (nichiyoubi igai wa hatarakimasu) means 'I work except on Sundays', saying '日曜日を除いて働きます' (nichiyoubi o nozoite hatarakimasu) carries a stronger, more active sense of deliberately removing Sunday from the schedule. を除いて is frequently used in business, news, and formal writing.

を除いて (o nozoite): Meaning 'excluding' or 'except'. More formal and implies a deliberate act of exclusion.

一部の地域以外 / 一部の地域を除いて

Another related phrase is 別として (betsu to shite) or 別にして (betsu ni shite). This translates to 'setting aside' or 'apart from'. It is used when you want to acknowledge something but temporarily remove it from the current consideration or argument. For example, '冗談は別として' (joudan wa betsu to shite) means 'Jokes aside'. While you could technically say '冗談以外' (joudan igai), it doesn't capture the nuance of 'setting it apart' for the sake of the conversation.

別として (betsu to shite): Meaning 'setting aside' or 'apart from'. Used to remove an item from consideration temporarily.

値段は別として、デザインは良い。

彼以外の意見 / 彼を除いた意見

これ以外にない / これの他にない

Lastly, for the 'in addition to' meaning, you might encounter に加えて (ni kuwaete). This strictly means 'in addition to' and has no 'except' meaning whatsoever. '英語に加えて、フランス語も話す' (eigo ni kuwaete, furansugo mo hanasu) is a very clear, unambiguous way to say 'In addition to English, I speak French'. By mastering these alternatives, you can choose the exact word that fits your intended meaning, tone, and formality level, moving beyond the basic utility of 以外 into truly nuanced Japanese expression.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Noun modification with の

Topic marker は for contrast

Double negatives for strong affirmation

Plain form verbs modifying nouns

Adverbial use of に

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Exemples par niveau

これ以外、ありますか。

Do you have anything other than this?

Noun + 以外 (igai) + ありますか (arimasu ka).

肉以外、食べます。

I eat except meat.

Noun + 以外 (igai).

私以外、行きます。

Everyone goes except me.

Pronoun + 以外 (igai).

水以外、飲みません。

I don't drink anything except water.

Noun + 以外 (igai) + negative verb.

今日以外、いいですか。

Is a day other than today okay?

Time word + 以外 (igai).

犬以外、好きです。

I like everything except dogs.

Noun + 以外 (igai).

ここ以外、どこですか。

Where is it, other than here?

Place word + 以外 (igai).

りんご以外、買います。

I will buy things other than apples.

Noun + 以外 (igai).

日曜日以外は、学校に行きます。

I go to school on days other than Sunday.

Noun + 以外は (igai wa) marks the exception as the topic.

山田さん以外の人を知りません。

I don't know anyone other than Mr. Yamada.

Noun + 以外の (igai no) + Noun.

これ以外に、何か質問はありますか。

Do you have any questions besides this?

Noun + 以外に (igai ni) meaning 'besides'.

英語以外の言葉を勉強したいです。

I want to study a language other than English.

Noun + 以外の (igai no) + Noun.

雨の日以外は、自転車で会社に行きます。

I go to work by bicycle except on rainy days.

Noun phrase + 以外は (igai wa).

あのレストランは、カレー以外も美味しいです。

That restaurant is delicious for things other than curry too.

Noun + 以外も (igai mo) meaning 'also things other than'.

現金以外で払えますか。

Can I pay with something other than cash?

Noun + 以外で (igai de) indicating means/method.

私以外は、みんな家族です。

Everyone is family except me.

Pronoun + 以外は (igai wa).

もう謝る以外に方法はないと思います。

I think there is no other way but to apologize.

Verb (dictionary form) + 以外にない (igai ni nai).

関係者以外は、この部屋に入れません。

No one except authorized personnel can enter this room.

Noun + 以外は (igai wa) + potential negative verb.

週末は、寝る以外何もしたくない。

On weekends, I don't want to do anything except sleep.

Verb (dictionary form) + 以外 (igai) + negative phrase.

日本語以外に、中国語と韓国語も少し話せます。

Besides Japanese, I can also speak a little Chinese and Korean.

Noun + 以外に (igai ni) meaning 'in addition to'.

彼が言ったこと以外の情報は、まだありません。

We don't have any information other than what he said.

Verb (ta-form) + こと + 以外の (igai no) + Noun.

このパソコンは、仕事以外には使いません。

I don't use this computer for anything other than work.

Noun + 以外には (igai ni wa) + negative verb.

社長以外の社員は、全員反対しました。

All employees except the president opposed it.

Noun + 以外の (igai no) + Noun.

今、待つ以外にできることはありません。

Right now, there is nothing we can do but wait.

Verb (dictionary form) + 以外に (igai ni) + Noun + はない.

この問題の解決策は、システムを根本から作り直す以外にあり得ない。

The only possible solution to this problem is to rebuild the system from scratch.

Verb phrase + 以外にあり得ない (igai ni arienai) - strong assertion of no alternatives.

予想していた以外の結果になり、非常に驚いている。

I am very surprised that the result was something other than what I had expected.

Verb (te-iru form past) + 以外の (igai no) + Noun.

本件に関するお問い合わせは、メール以外では受け付けておりません。

We do not accept inquiries regarding this matter by any means other than email.

Noun + 以外では (igai de wa) + formal negative verb.

彼の才能は、音楽以外の分野でも十分に発揮されるだろう。

His talent will likely be fully demonstrated in fields other than music as well.

Noun + 以外の (igai no) + Noun + でも.

事実をありのままに伝える以外、我々にできる義務はない。

We have no duty other than to report the facts exactly as they are.

Verb phrase + 以外 (igai) + Noun + はない.

許可されたソフトウェア以外のインストールは固く禁じられています。

Installation of software other than what is permitted is strictly prohibited.

Passive verb (ta-form) + Noun + 以外の (igai no) + Noun.

この件については、当事者以外が口を挟むべきではない。

People other than the parties involved should not interfere in this matter.

Noun + 以外が (igai ga) acting as the subject.

目標を達成するためには、日々の地道な努力を続ける以外に近道はない。

To achieve your goals, there is no shortcut other than continuing steady, daily effort.

Verb phrase + 以外に (igai ni) + Noun + はない.

法的拘束力を持つ文書において、指定されたフォーマット以外の使用は無効と見なされる。

In legally binding documents, the use of anything other than the specified format is considered invalid.

Highly formal noun modification: Noun + 以外の (igai no) + Noun.

現状の財政赤字を鑑みると、増税に踏み切る以外に抜本的な解決策は見出せない。

Considering the current fiscal deficit, no drastic solution can be found other than resorting to a tax increase.

Complex verb phrase + 以外に (igai ni) + Noun + はない in a formal context.

その哲学者は、理性以外のいかなる権威も認めないという徹底した立場を貫いた。

The philosopher maintained a thorough stance of recognizing no authority other than reason.

Noun + 以外の (igai no) + emphatic いかなる (ikanaru) + Noun.

当該条項に規定された事由に該当する場合を除き、それ以外の理由による契約解除は認められない。

Except in cases falling under the reasons stipulated in the said article, contract termination for any other reasons is not permitted.

Redundant legal phrasing: を除き (o nozoki) followed by それ以外の (sore igai no).

彼の発言は、自己保身以外の何物でもなく、到底納得できるものではない。

His statement is nothing other than self-preservation, and it is completely unacceptable.

Idiomatic emphatic phrase: Noun + 以外の何物でもない (igai no nanimono demo nai).

グローバル化が進む現代において、自国の利益以外に目を向けない排他的な政策は破綻を招く。

In today's advancing globalization, exclusionary policies that look at nothing other than one's own country's interests will lead to ruin.

Noun + 以外に (igai ni) + object + verb (negative).

芸術作品の解釈は多様であるべきだが、作者の意図を完全に無視したそれ以外の解釈には限界がある。

Interpretations of artwork should be diverse, but interpretations other than that which completely ignore the creator's intent have their limits.

Demonstrative pronoun + 以外の (igai no) referring back to a complex concept.

緊急事態宣言下においては、生活必需品の買い出しなど、真にやむを得ない事情以外の外出の自粛が要請される。

Under a state of emergency, citizens are requested to refrain from going out for reasons other than truly unavoidable circumstances, such as buying daily necessities.

Complex noun phrase + 以外の (igai no) + Noun in official government language.

存在そのものの不条理を直視する以外に、真の自由を獲得する手立てはないと彼は主張した。

He argued that there is no means to attain true freedom other than facing the absurdity of existence itself directly.

Philosophical verb phrase + 以外に (igai ni) + Noun + はない.

言語という不完全な媒体を介する以外に、我々が他者の内面世界に触れる術を持たないのは悲劇である。

It is a tragedy that we have no way to touch the inner world of others other than through the imperfect medium of language.

Complex verb phrase + 以外に (igai ni) + Noun + を持たない.

歴史の大きなうねりの中では、個人の意志など微々たるものに過ぎず、運命に翻弄される以外に道はないように思える。

In the great swell of history, an individual's will is nothing but a trivial thing, and it seems there is no path other than being tossed about by fate.

Passive verb phrase + 以外に道はない (igai ni michi wa nai) expressing inevitability.

その作家の文体は、極限まで無駄を削ぎ落とした結果、沈黙以外の何物でもないような静謐さを帯びていた。

As a result of stripping away excess to the absolute limit, the author's writing style took on a tranquility that was nothing other than silence itself.

Abstract noun + 以外の何物でもない (igai no nanimono demo nai) used for poetic effect.

いかなる詭弁を弄しようとも、客観的真実以外のものが歴史の審判に耐え得るはずがない。

No matter what sophistry one employs, nothing other than objective truth can possibly withstand the judgment of history.

Noun + 以外のもの (igai no mono) acting as the subject of a complex sentence.

自己の限界を徹底的に自覚すること以外に、真の超越への扉が開かれることは決してない。

The door to true transcendence will never be opened by anything other than a thorough realization of one's own limits.

Nominalized verb phrase (〜こと) + 以外に (igai ni) + passive verb (negative).

この複雑極まりない事象を単一の理論で説明しようとする試みは、知的傲慢以外の何物でもない。

The attempt to explain this extremely complex phenomenon with a single theory is nothing other than intellectual arrogance.

Abstract noun + 以外の何物でもない (igai no nanimono demo nai) used as a strong critique.

森羅万象が移ろいゆく中で、ただ変化し続けるという事実以外に、永遠不変の真理など存在しない。

In the midst of all creation constantly changing, there exists no eternal and unchanging truth other than the fact that things continue to change.

Noun clause (〜という事実) + 以外に (igai ni) + Noun + は存在しない.

Collocations courantes

関係者以外

それ以外

これ以外

予想以外

想像以外

目的以外

仕事以外

自分以外

期待以外

計画以外

Phrases Courantes

関係者以外立入禁止

それ以外にない

〜する以外に方法はない

冗談は別として（以外）

〜以外の何物でもない

これ以外に質問はありますか

〜以外は認めない

〜以外は全て

〜以外にも

〜以外であれば

Souvent confondu avec

〜以外 vs 以内 (within)

〜以外 vs 意外 (unexpected)

〜以外 vs 以上 (more than)

〜以外 vs 以下 (less than)

Expressions idiomatiques

"〜以外の何物でもない"

"〜する以外に道はない"

"〜する以外に手はない"

"〜以外あり得ない"

"〜以外考えられない"

"〜以外目に入らない"

"〜以外は眼中におかない"

"〜以外は問題外"

"〜以外は切り捨てる"

"〜以外は受け付けない"

Facile à confondre

〜以外 vs

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

note

以外 is a noun, not a particle. Therefore, it follows noun grammar rules when connecting to other words in a sentence.

Erreurs courantes

Saying 猫の以外 instead of 猫以外. (Do not use の before 以外).
Saying 以外に本 instead of 以外の本. (Must use の when modifying a noun).
Confusing 以外 (except) with 以内 (within).
Using masu-form verbs before 以外 (e.g., 食べます以外). It must be plain form (食べる以外).
Misinterpreting 以外に as 'except' when the sentence is positive (it means 'besides' in positive sentences).

Astuces

Direct Noun Attachment

Never put 'no' (の) between a noun and 以外. It is always [Noun] + 以外. Think of it as a suffix that glues directly onto the word.

The Rule of 'No'

If a noun comes AFTER 以外, you absolutely must use the particle 'no' (の). Example: 以外の本 (books other than). This is a very common mistake.

Except vs Besides

Look at the end of the sentence. If it's negative, 以外 usually means 'except'. If it's positive and uses 'ni' (に), it usually means 'besides'.

Expressing Lack of Choice

Use [Verb] + 以外にない to sound dramatic and express that you have absolutely no other options. It makes your Japanese sound very natural.

Sign Language

Memorize the phrase 関係者以外立入禁止 (Staff Only). You will see this sign everywhere in Japan, from convenience stores to office buildings.

Don't Mix Up the Kanji

Pay close attention to the second kanji. 外 means outside (以外 = except). 内 means inside (以内 = within). Mixing these up changes the meaning completely.

Formal Alternatives

When writing a formal essay or business email, consider using を除いて (o nozoite) instead of 以外 when you specifically mean 'excluding'.

Pitch Accent Matters

以外 (except) is flat (low-high-high). 意外 (unexpected) drops (low-high-low). Pronouncing it wrong might confuse the listener momentarily.

Polite Refusals

Use 以外 to politely state what you can't eat. Saying '肉以外は食べられます' (I can eat anything except meat) is much softer than '肉が嫌いです' (I hate meat).

Topic Marker

Use 以外は when you want to make the exception the main topic of your sentence. It strongly highlights that this one thing is different from the rest.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine an 'EAGLE' (igai) flying 'OUTSIDE' the cage. The eagle is the EXCEPTION, it is OTHER THAN the birds inside.

Origine du mot

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Contexte culturel

Can soften a refusal by focusing on what is accepted rather than what is rejected.

Neutral/Formal. Appropriate for all situations.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"週末は、寝る以外に何をしますか。"

"日本食で、寿司以外に好きなものはありますか。"

"英語以外に、勉強したい言語はありますか。"

"仕事以外で、今一番楽しいことは何ですか。"

"スマホ以外で、毎日必ず使うものは何ですか。"

Sujets d'écriture

今日、仕事（または学校）以外で何をしたか書いてみましょう。

自分以外の人になりきって、日記を書いてみましょう。

お金以外で、人生で一番大切なものは何だと思いますか。

今の街以外に住むとしたら、どこに住みたいですか。その理由は？

スマートフォン以外に、絶対に手放せないアイテムについて書いてください。

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

They are opposites. 以外 (igai) means 'outside of' or 'except'. 以内 (inai) means 'inside of' or 'within'. For example, 3日以内 means 'within 3 days', while 3日以外 means 'other than 3 days'.

No. When attaching 以外 to a noun, you put them directly together. It is 猫以外 (neko igai), not 猫の以外. However, you DO need 'no' AFTER 以外 if another noun follows, like 猫以外の動物 (animals other than cats).

Yes. When followed by the particle に (ni) and a positive statement, it means 'besides' or 'in addition to'. For example, 英語以外にフランス語も話す means 'Besides English, I also speak French'.

You must use the plain form of the verb (dictionary form or ta-form) before 以外. For example, 食べる以外 (other than eating) or 見た以外 (other than what I saw). You cannot use masu-form before it.

It is a double negative construction meaning 'have no choice but to'. For example, 待つ以外にない means 'There is nothing to do but wait' or 'I have no choice but to wait'.

It is neutral and can be used in both formal and casual situations. In very formal business writing, you might see を除いて (o nozoite) used instead for 'excluding', but 以外 is never incorrect.

他に (hoka ni) is slightly more conversational and generally means 'besides' or 'other than'. 以外 is more precise and can mean both 'except' and 'besides' depending on the particles used.

関係者 (kankeisha) means 'authorized personnel' or 'staff'. 以外 means 'except'. So, 関係者以外 means 'except staff'. It is usually followed by 立入禁止 (tachiiri kinshi), meaning 'do not enter'.

Yes, but you must nominalize the adjective or attach it to a noun first. For example, you can't say '美味しい以外'. You have to say '美味しいもの以外' (things other than delicious things).

It is pronounced 'i-ga-i'. It has a flat pitch accent (heiban), meaning the pitch starts low on 'i' and stays high on 'ga-i'. Do not confuse it with 意外 (unexpected), which has a drop in pitch.

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