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B1 verb 10분 분량

出向く

demukaku

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 出向く 30초 만에

설명 出向く in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to move around in Japanese. You likely know the word 'iku' (to go). 'Demuku' is a bit more advanced, but you can think of it as a special version of 'iku'. Imagine you are going somewhere for a reason, like a job. At this level, you don't need to use 'demuku' yourself, but you might see it in simple stories. It means someone is leaving their home or office to go to a specific place. For example, 'I go to the park' is usually 'Koen ni iku'. But if a teacher goes to a student's house for a meeting, a book might use 'demuku'. It's a 'stronger' way to say go. Just remember: [Place] + に (ni) + 出向く (demuku). It's like 'I am heading out to [Place]'. Don't worry about the kanji too much yet, just focus on the sound 'demuku'. It sounds more serious than 'iku'. If you use 'iku', people will always understand you. But if you see 'demuku', know that the person is going there for a purpose, not just for fun. It's a good word to recognize early so you can see how Japanese has different words for the same action based on how important the action is.

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At the A2 level, you are beginning to understand that Japanese words change based on the situation. 'Demuku' is a verb you will see in slightly more formal reading materials or hear in polite announcements. While you usually use 'iku' for your daily life, 'demuku' is used when someone goes somewhere with a clear intent. For instance, if you go to the city hall to fix a problem with your visa, you could say 'Shiyakusho ni demuku'. This sounds more like you are going there for business. In A2 grammar, you should notice that 'demuku' is a 'u-verb' (Godan). This means it changes to 'demukimasu' in polite form and 'demuita' in the past tense. You might use it in a simple business role-play. For example, if you are pretending to be an office worker, you could say 'I will go to the meeting room' as 'Kaigishitsu ni demukimasu'. It shows you are taking the task seriously. You should also start noticing the kanji: 出 (out) and 向く (to face). This helps you remember the meaning: 'to face outward and go'. It's a useful word to distinguish between 'just going' and 'going for a task'. Try to use it once or twice in your writing practice when describing a trip to a bank or a doctor to see how it feels compared to 'iku'.

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As a B1 learner, '出向く' (demuku) is a core part of your expanding vocabulary. This is the level where you move from basic communication to more nuanced and professional Japanese. 'Demuku' is a 'purpose-driven' verb. It implies that the subject is taking the initiative to physically travel to a location. This is very common in business settings. For example, instead of saying 'I went to the client's office' with 'iku', you would use 'demuku' to show that you made the effort to go there. It carries a sense of 'proceeding to' or 'making a trip to'. At this level, you should be comfortable with its conjugation in various forms: 'demuite' (te-form), 'demukanai' (negative), and 'demukeru' (potential). You will often see it paired with 'mizukara' (personally) or 'chokusetsu' (directly). This combination emphasizes that the person went there themselves. It's also important to understand the social register. 'Demuku' is polite but neutral. It's not as humble as 'ukagau', which you use for superiors. So, use 'demuku' when describing your actions in a report or when talking about what a colleague did. It's a versatile verb that makes your Japanese sound more mature and professional, shifting the focus from the mere act of movement to the intention behind the journey. You will encounter it frequently in news reports and formal emails, making it essential for intermediate proficiency.

At the B2 level, you should master the subtle distinctions between '出向く' and its synonyms like '訪れる' (otozureru) or '赴く' (omomuku). '出向く' is specifically about the 'departure and arrival' for a specific task. It often implies a certain level of responsibility. For example, if a manager 'demuku' to a factory to inspect it, the word highlights his professional duty. At this level, you should be able to use 'demuku' fluently in business writing and formal speeches. You might use it in the potential form to express the ability to travel: 'Genchi ni demukeru joutai desu' (I am in a state where I can go to the site). You should also understand its use in complex sentences, such as 'Wazawaza demuite itadaki...' (Thank you for going out of your way to come...). This shows you understand the social cost of travel in Japanese culture. Furthermore, you can use 'demuku' to add a layer of narrative intentionality in your creative writing. It suggests a character isn't just moving through space, but is actively engaging with their environment. You should also be aware of the noun-form usage in compound words or formal contexts, though the verb form remains the most common. Mastery at this level means knowing exactly when 'iku' is too simple and 'ukagau' is too humble, leaving 'demuku' as the perfect, professional middle ground for describing formal visits and purposeful travel.

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For C1 learners, '出向く' (demuku) is a nuanced tool used to convey specific social and professional dynamics. At this advanced stage, you should appreciate how 'demuku' functions within the broader landscape of Japanese honorifics and formal registers. While it is not a 'Keigo' (honorific) verb per se, its usage in place of the more common 'iku' serves as a marker of high-level linguistic competence. It is often used in investigative journalism, legal documents, and high-level corporate communications to describe site visits, inspections, or face-to-face negotiations. You should be able to discern the difference between 'demuku' and the more literary 'omomuku' (赴く). While 'demuku' is practical and implies a specific task (like a business meeting), 'omomuku' has a grander, more directional nuance, often used when someone heads toward a distant post or a field of battle. In a C1 context, you might analyze how 'demuku' is used in literature to show a character's resolve. For example, a protagonist 'demuku' to meet their rival, signaling a shift from passivity to action. You should also be comfortable using it in formal debates or presentations, such as 'Mizukara genba ni demuku koto no juuyousei' (The importance of personally going to the site). Your understanding should include the historical evolution of the word from its roots in 'exiting' and 'facing,' and how this physical imagery still informs its modern usage as a verb of intentional, professional movement.

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At the C2 level, '出向く' (demuku) is treated with a deep understanding of its stylistic and socio-linguistic implications. You recognize that the choice of 'demuku' over 'houmon suru' (to visit) or 'mairu' (to go/come - humble) is a precise stylistic decision. In high-level literature or philosophical discourse, 'demuku' can describe the human condition of 'proceeding' toward an inevitable end or a destined location, albeit with a more grounded, physical sense than 'omomuku'. You should be able to use it in the most formal written styles, including 'Soro-bun' (though rare now) or highly classical modern prose. In professional settings, you use 'demuku' to describe the actions of third parties with a perfect balance of respect and objectivity. For example, in a diplomatic report, describing an ambassador who 'demuku' to a neutral territory conveys a sense of formal mission without the emotional weight of other verbs. You also understand the subtle irony that can be employed by using such a formal verb in a slightly less formal context to add a layer of mock-seriousness or gravitas. Your mastery allows you to use the verb's various forms, including the less common causative or passive-honorific forms, with total accuracy. Ultimately, at C2, '出向く' is not just a vocabulary item but a reflection of your ability to navigate the complex intersections of Japanese intent, physical movement, and social hierarchy with the finesse of a native speaker.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

出向く 30초 만에

出向く (demuku) means to go to a place with a specific intent or purpose, usually in a formal or professional capacity.
It is more formal than 'iku' and emphasizes the subject's initiative to leave their base and arrive at a destination.
Commonly used in business emails, news reports, and literature to describe official visits or site inspections.
It conjugates as a Godan verb and typically takes the particles 'ni' or 'he' for the destination.

The Japanese verb 出向く (demuku) is a sophisticated way to express the act of going somewhere with a specific purpose, often involving a sense of intentionality, duty, or initiative. While the basic verb for 'to go' is 行く (iku), 出向く carries a weightier nuance. It implies that the subject is leaving their usual place—be it their home, office, or base of operations—to physically arrive at a destination to perform an action or meet someone. It is frequently used in business, formal reporting, and literature to emphasize that the person didn't just 'go' but 'made the trip' or 'proceeded' to the location.

Core Nuance: Intentional Presence: Unlike the neutral 行く, 出向く suggests that the act of going is an important part of the process. For example, a manager might 'demuku' to a client's office to apologize, or a researcher might 'demuku' to a remote site for fieldwork. It highlights the physical movement from 'here' to 'there' as a deliberate choice.
Kanji Breakdown: Exit and Face: The word is composed of 出 (shutsu/deru), meaning 'to exit' or 'to go out,' and 向く (muku), meaning 'to face' or 'to head toward.' Together, they create a mental image of stepping out of one's current environment and setting one's sights on a specific destination. This compound structure reinforces the idea of leaving a safe or standard space to engage with the outside world.
Social Hierarchy and Respect: In Japanese social dynamics, the person who 'demuku' is often the one showing respect or taking responsibility. If a high-ranking official 'demuku' to a local village, it is seen as a significant gesture of humility or concern. In business, saying 'I will demuku to your office' (お伺いします is more humble, but demuku is the descriptive verb) implies you are the one making the effort to travel.

"わざわざ現地に出向く必要はない。" (Wazawaza genchi ni demuku hitsuyou wa nai.)

Meaning: There is no need to go out of your way to go to the site in person.

In literary contexts, 出向く can also describe a character heading toward their destiny or a challenging situation. It evokes a sense of movement with purpose, distinguishing it from aimless wandering (歩き回る) or simple transit. When you hear this word in a news broadcast, it usually involves a politician, a celebrity, or a professional heading to a specific venue to fulfill a public or professional role. It is a word that bridges the gap between everyday movement and significant action, making it essential for intermediate learners aiming for natural business or formal Japanese communication.

Using 出向く (demuku) correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical framework and the specific contexts where it thrives. As a Godan verb (Class 1), it follows standard conjugation patterns but is almost always paired with the particles に (ni) or へ (he) to indicate the destination. Because the verb itself implies 'outgoing,' the focus is on the departure from the origin and the arrival at the target location.

Grammatical Structure

The standard pattern is: [Destination] + に/へ + 出向く. For example, 'I will go to the office' becomes 事務所に出向く (Jimusho ni demuku). It is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object with the particle を.

Conjugation Patterns

Polite: 出向きます (Demukimasu)
Negative: 出向かない (Demukanai)
Past: 出向いた (Demuita)
Te-form: 出向いて (Demuite)
Potential: 出向ける (Demukeru)

"社長自らが現場に出向いて、従業員を激励した。" (Shachou mizukara ga genba ni demuite, juugyuoin wo gekirei shita.)

Meaning: The CEO himself went to the site to encourage the employees.

One of the most common modifiers used with demuku is 自ら (mizukara) or 自分自身で (jibun jishin de), meaning 'personally' or 'of one's own accord.' This emphasizes that the subject did not send a representative but took the initiative to go themselves. This is a key stylistic choice in professional Japanese. If you are writing a business report and want to sound professional, using demuku instead of iku instantly elevates your register.

In more advanced usage, you might see the noun form 出向き (demuki), though it is rare. More common is the use of the verb in complex sentences involving the purpose of the trip: [Purpose] + のために + [Place] + に出向く. For instance, 'I went to the library to research' is 調査のために図書館に出向いた. This structure clearly defines the 'why' behind the 'where,' which is the essence of this verb's utility in the Japanese language.

The verb 出向く (demuku) is a staple of professional and formal Japanese life. While you might not hear it shouted across a playground, you will certainly encounter it in specific, high-stakes environments. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the gravity or professionalism of a situation when the word is used.

1. The Corporate World: In business emails and meetings, demuku is used to describe visiting clients or other branches. When a colleague says, '部長は今、A社に出向いています' (The department head is currently visiting Company A), they are using a respectful, professional tone to describe his absence. It sounds much more official than saying he 'went' there.
2. News and Journalism: News anchors frequently use this verb when reporting on the movements of public figures. '首相は被災地に自ら出向きました' (The Prime Minister personally proceeded to the disaster-stricken area). In this context, the word highlights the official nature of the visit and the physical effort made by the leader to be present at the scene.
3. Legal and Police Procedurals: In crime dramas or real-world legal reports, investigators 'demuku' to a crime scene (genba). This usage implies a formal investigation or a site visit required by law or duty. It conveys that the movement is part of a standardized, serious procedure.

"わざわざ遠方から出向いていただき、ありがとうございます。" (Wazawaza enpou kara demuite itadaki, arigatou gozaimasu.)

Meaning: Thank you very much for coming all this way from so far away.

You will also find demuku in historical novels or samurai dramas (Jidaigeki). When a messenger is sent to a rival lord's castle, or a warrior goes to a designated dueling ground, the verb used is often demuku. This adds a sense of ceremony and gravity to the movement, suggesting that the journey itself is fraught with meaning or danger. In modern literature, it is used to describe a protagonist's journey to a place that holds emotional or narrative significance.

Finally, in academic or scientific writing, researchers 'demuku' to archives, laboratories, or field sites. It distinguishes the act of professional data collection from casual observation. By using this word, the writer signals that the trip was a necessary, formal part of the scholarly process. Whether in a boardroom, a crime scene, or a research lab, demuku is the verb of choice for movement with a mission.

Because 出向く (demuku) and 行く (iku) both translate to 'to go' in English, learners often struggle with the nuances and social constraints of the former. Misusing demuku can make you sound unintentionally stiff, overly formal, or even slightly unnatural in casual settings. Here are the most frequent pitfalls to avoid.

1. Over-Formality in Casual Speech: If you are talking to a close friend about going to a movie, saying 'Eiga-kan ni demuku' sounds incredibly strange. It would be like saying in English, 'I shall proceed to the cinema.' It's too heavy for the context. Stick to 'Eiga-kan ni iku' for daily errands and social outings with peers.
2. Confusing Directionality: Remember that demuku is an 'outgoing' verb. It describes the subject going *to* a place. You cannot use it to describe someone coming *to you* unless you are describing their action from a third-person perspective. For example, you wouldn't say 'Please demuku to my house' as a command; you would use kite kudasai or o-koshi kudasai.
3. Misunderstanding the 'Purpose' Requirement: Using demuku for aimless movement is a common error. If you are just wandering around a park, you aren't 'demuku-ing.' The verb requires a specific destination and, usually, a specific reason for being there. If the 'why' is missing, the word feels hollow.

❌ "トイレに出向いてきます。" (Toire ni demuite kimasu.)

Correction: Use "トイレに行ってきます" (Toire ni itte kimasu). Using demuku for the bathroom is far too formal and sounds humorous or sarcastic.

Another subtle mistake is using demuku when a humble verb (Kenjougo) is required. In very formal Japanese business etiquette, when you are going to a superior's office, you should use 伺う (ukagau) or 参る (mairu). While demuku is polite and professional, it is technically a neutral-polite verb, not a humble one. Using it to describe your own actions to a high-ranking client might not be 'wrong,' but it lacks the extra layer of humility that ukagau provides.

To avoid these mistakes, always ask yourself: 'Is this a formal trip with a mission?' and 'Is the person I'm talking to a peer or a superior?' If the trip is formal and the audience is professional, demuku is likely appropriate. If you are just 'going' somewhere without a specific goal, stick to the tried-and-true iku.

Japanese has a wealth of verbs for 'going' and 'visiting,' each with a distinct flavor. Understanding how 出向く (demuku) compares to its synonyms will help you choose the precise word for any situation. Here is a breakdown of the most common alternatives.

行く (Iku) vs. 出向く (Demuku): 行く: The neutral, all-purpose verb for movement. Use it for everything from going to the store to moving to a new country.
出向く: Focuses on the act of leaving one's base to go to a specific place for a specific purpose. It is more formal and intentional.
訪れる (Otozureru) vs. 出向く (Demuku): 訪れる: Means 'to visit' a place, often a tourist spot, a city, or a person. It emphasizes the arrival and the experience of being there.
出向く: Emphasizes the journey and the initiative taken to get there. You 'otozureru' Kyoto as a tourist, but you 'demuku' to a temple for a specific meeting with a monk.
伺う (Ukagau) vs. 出向く (Demuku): 伺う: The humble (Kenjougo) version of 'to visit' or 'to go.' Use this when you are going to meet a superior or a client to show respect.
出向く: Descriptive and polite, but not inherently humble. It describes the physical action without the social lowering of the subject.

"本人が直接出向くのが一番確実だ。" (Honnin ga chokusetsu demuku no ga ichiban kakujitsu da.)

Meaning: It is most certain if the person themselves goes there directly.

Other related words include 足を運ぶ (ashi wo hakobu), which literally means 'to carry one's feet.' This is an idiomatic way to say someone made the effort to visit a place. It is very similar to demuku but feels slightly more appreciative and figurative. Then there is 訪問する (houmon suru), which is the formal Chinese-origin (Sino-Japanese) word for 'to visit.' Houmon suru is common in written reports and official documents, whereas demuku is more common in spoken formal Japanese and narrative prose.

Finally, for military or highly formal contexts, you might see 赴く (omomuku). This is a very literary cousin of demuku that means to head toward a destination, often far away or with great significance. While demuku is practical and professional, omomuku is grand and poetic. By mastering demuku, you gain a versatile tool for professional communication that sits perfectly between the simplicity of iku and the extreme humility of ukagau.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

While 'demuku' sounds very formal today, its components 'de' and 'muku' are among the most basic and ancient words in the Japanese language.

발음 가이드

UK /de.mɯ.kɯ/

US /de.mu.ku/

Atamadaka (Initial stress) or Heiban (Flat), depending on regional dialect, but usually perceived as relatively flat in standard Tokyo Japanese.

라임이 맞는 단어

Aruku (to walk) Muku (to face) Tuku (to arrive/attach) Kiku (to hear) Oku (to put) Hiku (to pull) Saku (to bloom) Yaku (to burn)

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing 'de' as 'day'. It should be a short 'e' like in 'get'.
Over-emphasizing the 'u' sounds, making them too long.
Confusing it with 'demukeru' (the potential form) when intending the plain form.
Pausing between 'de' and 'muku'. It should be one smooth word.
Misreading the kanji as 'shutsugen' or other 'shutsu' compounds.

난이도

독해 3/5

The kanji are basic (N5/N4), but the compound is B1 level.

쓰기 3/5

Easy to write, but requires knowing when it is appropriate to use.

말하기 4/5

Requires understanding of social registers to avoid sounding stiff.

듣기 3/5

Common in news and formal speech; easy to recognize once learned.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

行く (Iku) 出る (Deru) 向く (Muku) 場所 (Basho) 目的 (Mokuteki)

다음에 배울 것

赴く (Omomuku) 伺う (Ukagau) 訪問 (Houmon) 視察 (Shisatsu) 駐在 (Chuuzai)

고급

参上 (Sanjou) 拝謁 (Haietsu) 行脚 (Angya) 巡幸 (Junkou)

알아야 할 문법

Godan Verb Conjugation

出向く -> 出向いた (Past), 出向かない (Negative)

Directional Particles に vs へ

事務所に出向く (Focus on arrival), 事務所へ出向く (Focus on direction)

Purpose Particle に

買い物に出向く (Going out for shopping)

Te-form for sequence

現場に出向いて、状況を確認する (Go to the site and confirm the situation)

Potential form 〜える

忙しくて、今日は出向けない (I'm busy and can't go today)

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수준별 예문

私は学校に出向く。

I go to school (with a purpose).

Simple subject + place + ni + demuku.

父は仕事に出向く。

Father goes out to work.

Using 'shigoto' as the purpose/destination.

先生が家に出向く。

The teacher goes to the house.

Subject is the teacher, showing their initiative.

公園に出向く。

I proceed to the park.

Destination + ni + demuku.

あそこに出向く。

I will go over there.

Using a demonstrative 'asoko'.

店に出向く。

I go to the shop.

Basic destination usage.

友達の家に出向く。

I go to my friend's house.

Possessive 'no' with destination.

駅に出向く。

I go to the station.

Common destination.

役所に出向いて、手続きをする。

I will go to the public office and do the paperwork.

Te-form used to connect two actions.

彼は病院に出向いた。

He went to the hospital.

Past tense 'demuita'.

明日、事務所に出向きます。

I will go to the office tomorrow.

Polite form 'demukimasu'.

自分で現場に出向くことが大切だ。

It is important to go to the site yourself.

Using 'jibun de' (by yourself).

銀行に出向く必要があります。

There is a need to go to the bank.

Verb + hitsuyou ga arimasu (need to).

社長が自ら出向く。

The president personally goes there.

Using 'mizukara' (personally).

どこに出向きますか？

Where are you going?

Interrogative 'doko'.

会議室に出向いてください。

Please proceed to the meeting room.

Te-form + kudasai (request).

トラブル解決のために、客先に出向いた。

I went to the client's location to resolve the trouble.

Purpose + no tame ni (for the sake of).

わざわざ遠くから出向いてくれた。

They went out of their way to come from far away.

Te-form + kureru (benefactive).

部長は今、取引先に出向いています。

The manager is currently visiting a business partner.

Te-iru form for current state/action.

調査のために図書館へ出向くことにした。

I decided to go to the library for research.

Koto ni suru (decide to).

直接会って話すために、彼のもとへ出向いた。

I went to him to talk in person.

Person + no moto he (to someone's side).

明日の午前中に、そちらに出向く予定です。

I plan to go there tomorrow morning.

Yotei desu (plan to).

現場に出向かなくても、状況はわかる。

Even without going to the site, I understand the situation.

Negative te-form + mo (even if).

担当者が不在だったので、明日また出向く。

The person in charge was away, so I'll go again tomorrow.

Node (because) connecting sentences.

自ら現地に足を運び、被災者の声を聞くために出向いた。

He went to personally visit the site and hear the voices of the victims.

Combining 'ashi wo hakobu' and 'demuku' for emphasis.

交渉を有利に進めるため、敵陣に出向く覚悟だ。

I am prepared to go into the enemy camp to advance the negotiations in our favor.

Kakugo (resolution/preparedness).

忙しい中、わざわざ出向いていただき恐縮です。

I am grateful/sorry that you went out of your way to come while you are busy.

Kyoushuku (humble gratitude/apology).

彼は真相を確かめるべく、一人でその場所に出向いた。

In order to confirm the truth, he went to that place alone.

Beku (in order to - formal).

どんなに遠くても、必要があれば出向くつもりだ。

No matter how far it is, I intend to go if necessary.

Donna ni... temo (no matter how...).

本人が直接出向くのが、解決への最短ルートだ。

The person themselves going directly is the shortest route to a solution.

Noun clause with 'no ga'.

警察は通報を受けて、直ちに現場へ出向いた。

The police received the report and immediately proceeded to the scene.

Tadachi ni (immediately).

招待されたので、喜んでパーティーに出向くことにした。

Since I was invited, I decided to gladly go to the party.

Yorokonde (gladly).

外交官は緊張が高まる国境地帯へと出向いた。

The diplomat proceeded to the border zone where tensions were rising.

Literary description of a formal mission.

学術調査の一環として、未開の地へ出向く。

As part of an academic survey, they will go to an unexplored land.

Ikkan to shite (as part of).

彼は自らの信念に従い、危険を顧みず戦場に出向いた。

Following his own beliefs, he went to the battlefield without regard for danger.

Kaerimizu (without regard for).

その老学者は、真理を求めて各地の図書館に出向いた。

The old scholar went to libraries in various places in search of truth.

Motomete (seeking).

直接相手の懐に出向いて、本音を聞き出す。

Go directly into the opponent's 'pocket' (inner circle) to draw out their true feelings.

Futokoro ni demuku (idiomatic: to enter someone's inner circle).

彼は一身上の都合により、急遽実家に出向くことになった。

Due to personal reasons, he suddenly had to go to his parents' home.

Isshinjou no tsugou (personal reasons).

自ら出向くことで、誠意を見せることが肝要である。

It is essential to show sincerity by going there personally.

Kanyou (essential/vital).

情報の正確性を期すため、記者は何度も現場に出向いた。

To ensure the accuracy of the information, the reporter went to the scene many times.

Wo kisu tame (in order to ensure).

己の宿命に導かれるかのように、彼はその古城へと出向いた。

As if guided by his own destiny, he proceeded to that ancient castle.

Ka no you ni (as if).

彼は学問の深淵をのぞき見るべく、孤独な思索の旅に出向いた。

To peer into the abyss of knowledge, he set out on a journey of solitary contemplation.

Shinsen (abyss/depths).

権力者たちの狡猾な罠が待ち受ける中、彼は毅然として議場に出向いた。

While the cunning traps of the powerful awaited, he resolutely proceeded to the assembly hall.

Kizen to shite (resolutely).

その芸術家は霊感を求めて、人里離れた山奥の寺に出向いた。

The artist went to a temple deep in the mountains, far from human habitation, in search of inspiration.

Hitozato hanareta (remote/secluded).

和解の道を探るべく、彼はあえて敵地へと出向く挙に出た。

In order to find a path to reconciliation, he took the bold step of going into enemy territory.

Kyo ni deru (to take a bold action).

歴史の転換点において、彼は自らの役割を果たすべく表舞台に出向いた。

At a turning point in history, he proceeded to the center stage to fulfill his role.

Omotebutai (center stage).

虚飾を排し、真実のみを見つめるために、彼は荒野へと出向いた。

To cast aside vanity and look only at the truth, he went out into the wilderness.

Kyoshoku wo haishi (casting aside vanity).

彼は死を覚悟し、愛する者を守るために最後の戦場へと出向いた。

Prepared for death, he proceeded to the final battlefield to protect the one he loved.

Saigo no senjou (final battlefield).

자주 쓰는 조합

現場に出向く

自ら出向く

客先に出向く

現地に出向く

わざわざ出向く

直接出向く

事務所に出向く

足繁く出向く

一人で出向く

会場に出向く

자주 쓰는 구문

お迎えに出向く

— To go out to meet/greet someone upon their arrival.

駅までお客様をお迎えに出向く。

使いに出向く

— To go out on an errand.

母の代わりに使いに出向いた。

応援に出向く

— To go out to provide support or cheer someone on.

友人の試合に応援に出向く。

挨拶に出向く

— To go out to give formal greetings.

新年の挨拶に親戚の家に出向く。

視察に出向く

— To go out for an official inspection or observation.

知事が被災地の視察に出向いた。

届けに出向く

— To go out to deliver something.

忘れ物を届けに学校に出向く。

相談に出向く

— To go out to consult with someone.

弁護士の事務所に相談に出向く。

迎えに出向く

— To go out to pick someone up.

子供を迎えに幼稚園に出向く。

謝罪に出向く

— To go out to offer an apology.

ミスのお詫びに取引先に出向く。

見舞いに出向く

— To go out to visit someone who is ill or in trouble.

友人の見舞いに病院に出向いた。

자주 혼동되는 단어

出向く vs 出向 (Shukkou)

This sounds the same but means 'secondment' or 'temporary transfer' to another company. It is a noun or a suru-verb (出向する).

出向く vs 赴く (Omomuku)

Very similar, but 'omomuku' is more literary and often implies moving to a distant post or heading in a general direction.

出向く vs 向かう (Mukau)

Means 'to face' or 'to head toward' but doesn't necessarily imply leaving a base or arriving for a task like 'demuku' does.

관용어 및 표현

"虎穴に出向く"

— To go into the tiger's den (taking a great risk).

彼は真相を暴くため、虎穴に出向く覚悟だ。

Literary

"懐に出向く"

— To enter someone's inner circle or territory directly.

敵の懐に出向いて交渉する。

Figurative

"現場主義で出向く"

— To go with the philosophy that the actual site is most important.

彼は現場主義で、何事もまず自ら出向く。

Business

"死地に出向く"

— To go to a place of certain death or extreme danger.

武士は覚悟を決めて死地に出向いた。

Historical/Literary

"矢面に立って出向く"

— To go out and stand in the line of fire (taking criticism).

不祥事の際、社長が矢面に立って記者会見に出向いた。

Formal

"単身出向く"

— To go alone (without companions or support).

彼は単身、敵陣に出向いた。

Narrative

"表舞台に出向く"

— To step out into the public eye or center stage.

引退した歌手が再び表舞台に出向く。

General

"敵地に乗り込んで出向く"

— To go and invade/enter enemy territory boldly.

彼は一人で敵地に乗り込んで出向いた。

Informal/Strong

"直談判に出向く"

— To go for direct negotiations/demands.

給料アップを求めて社長に直談判に出向いた。

Business/Assertive

"火中に栗を拾いに出向く"

— To go and take a risk for someone else's benefit (idiomatic).

彼は友人のために火中に栗を拾いに出向いた。

Idiomatic

혼동하기 쉬운

出向く vs 行く (Iku)

Both mean 'to go'.

Iku is neutral and used for any movement. Demuku is formal and implies a specific purpose or duty.

コンビニに行く (Go to convenience store) vs 現場に出向く (Proceed to the site).

出向く vs 訪れる (Otozureru)

Both involve going to a place.

Otozureru focuses on the arrival and the experience of the visit. Demuku focuses on the intent and the journey to get there.

観光地を訪れる (Visit a tourist spot) vs 調査に出向く (Go for an investigation).

出向く vs 伺う (Ukagau)

Both are used in polite/formal settings.

Ukagau is humble (Kenjougo) and lowers the speaker. Demuku is descriptive and professional but not inherently humble.

先生のお宅に伺う (Humbly visit teacher) vs 事務所に出向く (Go to the office).

出向く vs 足を運ぶ (Ashi wo hakobu)

Both mean 'making the effort to go'.

Ashi wo hakobu is an idiom emphasizing the physical effort and is often used to thank guests. Demuku is a more direct verb of action.

会場に足を運んでいただき感謝します (Thank you for coming).

出向く vs 出かける (Dekakeru)

Both involve 'going out'.

Dekakeru is casual and means 'to step out' for any reason (shopping, walking). Demuku is formal and task-oriented.

散歩に出かける (Go out for a walk) vs 役所に出向く (Go to the office).

문장 패턴

[Place] に出向く。

銀行に出向く。

[Purpose] のために [Place] に出向く。

会議のために東京に出向く。

自ら [Place] に出向く。

自ら現場に出向く。

わざわざ [Place] まで出向く。

わざわざ遠くの支店まで出向く。

[Place] に出向いて、[Action] する。

役所に出向いて、書類を出す。

[Person] のもとへ出向く。

恩師のもとへ出向く。

[Abstract Goal] を求めて [Place] に出向く。

真実を求めて現場に出向く。

[Fate/Danger] を覚悟して [Place] に出向く。

死を覚悟して戦場に出向く。

어휘 가족

명사

出向き (Demuki - the act of going, rare)

外出 (Gaishutsu - going out)

出向 (Shukkou - temporary transfer/secondment, different kanji meaning but related sound)

동사

出る (Deru - to exit)

向く (Muku - to face)

向かう (Mukau - to head toward)

向ける (Mukeru - to point/direct)

사용법

frequency

Common in professional and formal contexts; rare in casual daily speech.

자주 하는 실수

Using 'demuku' for going to the toilet. → トイレに行く (Toire ni iku).
Demuku is too formal for minor bodily functions or trivial errands.
Saying 'Watashi no uchi ni demuite kudasai' (Please come to my house). → 私のうちに来てください (Watashi no uchi ni kite kudasai).
Demuku is an 'outgoing' verb; it cannot mean 'to come' to the speaker.
Using 'demuku' as a humble verb to a CEO. → 伺います (Ukagaimasu).
While 'demuku' is polite, 'ukagau' is the correct humble form (Kenjougo) for showing respect to a superior.
Confusing 'demuku' with 'shukkou suru' (secondment). → A社に出向く (Go to Company A) vs A社に出向する (Be transferred to Company A).
One is a physical trip, the other is a long-term job transfer.
Using 'demuku' for aimless wandering. → 散歩する (Sanpo suru).
Demuku requires a destination and a purpose.

팁

Business Email Tip

When writing to a client, saying 'Asu, soshira ni demukimasu' (I will go there tomorrow) is professional. However, 'ukagaimasu' is even more polite.

The Purpose Rule

Only use 'demuku' if you have a reason to be at the destination. If you're just passing through, 'iku' is better.

Te-form Connection

Use 'demuite' to link the journey with the task. 'Genba ni demuite, chousa wo okonau' (Go to the site and conduct the survey).

Mizukara + Demuku

Memorize the phrase 'Mizukara demuku' (to go personally). It is a high-frequency collocation in formal Japanese.

Avoid Sarcasm

Be careful using 'demuku' for trivial things like 'demuku to the kitchen' unless you are intentionally being funny/sarcastic.

News Keyword

When you hear 'demuku' on the news, it's a signal that an official visit is being reported. Pay attention to who is going where.

Visualizing Kanji

The kanji 出 (exit) and 向 (face) perfectly describe the action. Use this visual to remember the word's meaning.

Show Sincerity

In Japan, 'demuku' is an act of sincerity. Use it to describe actions where showing up in person was important.

Softening the Word

Using 'demukimasu' (polite) is much more common in speech than the plain 'demuku', which can sound a bit blunt or literary.

Potential Form

Use 'demukeru' (can go) when discussing logistics. 'Ashita nara demukemasu' (If it's tomorrow, I can go there).

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'DE' as 'DEparting' and 'MUKU' as 'Moving toward'. You are DEparting to MUKU (Move toward) a mission.

시각적 연상

Imagine a samurai exiting (DE) his castle and facing (MUKU) a distant mountain where a meeting is held.

Word Web

Go Purpose Formal Business Initiative Exit Face Arrival

챌린지

Try to use 'demukimasu' in a sentence today instead of 'ikimasu' when describing a trip to a library, a bank, or a teacher's office.

어원

The word is a compound of the prefix verb 'deru' (to go out) and 'muku' (to face/head). This combination has been used since the Middle Japanese period to describe purposeful movement.

원래 의미: To exit one's place and orient oneself toward a destination.

Japonic (Native Japanese origin - Yamato Kotoba).

문화적 맥락

Be careful not to use it for very low-status activities (like going to the dump) as it might sound sarcastic due to its formal weight.

The closest English equivalents are 'to proceed to', 'to head out to', or 'to make a trip to'. It lacks a single direct one-word translation that captures the same formal nuance.

Used in NHK News broadcasts regarding the Prime Minister's visits. Commonly found in the 'Detective Conan' series when police go to a crime scene. Appears in Natsume Soseki's literature to describe formal social calls.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Business Visit

取引先に出向く
打ち合わせに出向く
挨拶に出向く
謝罪に出向く

Official Investigation

現場に出向く
聞き込みに出向く
視察に出向く
調査に出向く

Personal Duty

役所に出向く
銀行に出向く
学校に出向く
病院に出向く

Social Courtesy

お見舞いに出向く
お祝いに出向く
お迎えに出向く
葬儀に出向く

Narrative/Action

助けに出向く
迎え撃つために出向く
様子を見に出向く
単身出向く

대화 시작하기

"明日の打ち合わせには、誰が現場に出向くのですか？ (Who is going to the site for tomorrow's meeting?)"

"わざわざ遠方まで出向くのは大変ではありませんか？ (Isn't it hard to go all the way to a distant place?)"

"トラブルの際は、メールよりも直接出向く方が良いと思います。 (In case of trouble, I think it's better to go directly rather than emailing.)"

"あなたは今まで、どんな目的で役所に出向きましたか？ (For what purpose have you gone to the public office so far?)"

"社長自らが出向くことで、相手の信頼を得られるでしょう。 (By the president going personally, we will likely gain the other party's trust.)"

일기 주제

今日、あなたはどこかに特別な目的で出向きましたか？その時の様子を書いてください。 (Did you go anywhere today for a special purpose? Write about it.)

もしあなたが有名な探偵だったら、どんな現場に出向いてみたいですか？ (If you were a famous detective, what kind of scene would you want to go to?)

「直接出向くこと」の重要性について、あなたの考えを日本語でまとめてください。 (Summarize your thoughts on the importance of 'going in person' in Japanese.)

仕事や学校で、誰かの代わりに出向いた経験はありますか？ (Do you have experience going somewhere on someone else's behalf for work or school?)

将来、仕事で海外に出向くことになったら、どの国に行きたいですか？ (If you were to go abroad for work in the future, which country would you want to go to?)

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

You can, but it sounds very formal. If you use it, you're implying that the visit is serious or has a specific purpose, like returning a borrowed item or having a serious talk. In a normal social context, 'iku' or 'asobi ni iku' is much more natural.

'Demuku' (出向く) is a verb meaning 'to go/proceed to.' 'Shukkou' (出向) is a noun/suru-verb meaning to be temporarily transferred to another company for work. They sound similar but their kanji and meanings are distinct.

No, 'demuku' itself is a standard verb. However, because of its formal nuance, it is often used in polite speech (Teineigo) as 'demukimasu'. It is not humble (Kenjougo) or respectful (Sonkeigo).

Generally, no. 'Demuku' requires a subject with intent, usually a person or an organization represented by people. You wouldn't say a ball 'demuku' to the goal.

Since it is a Godan verb ending in 'ku', the 'ku' changes to 'ite'. So, 'demuku' becomes 'demuite'. Example: 'Genba ni demuite kakunin suru' (Go to the site and confirm).

It appears in anime that has professional, mystery, or historical themes. You'll hear it from police officers, detectives, or characters in positions of authority.

No, 'demuku' always describes movement away from the speaker's current location or base. To say 'please come', you would use 'kuru' or its polite forms.

The most common particles are 'ni' (に) and 'he' (へ) to indicate the destination. 'Ni' is more common for specific targets, while 'he' emphasizes the direction.

Yes, in literary contexts, you can 'demuku' toward a fate, a challenge, or a 'field of battle' metaphorically.

'Houmon suru' is a formal Sino-Japanese word often used in writing. 'Demuku' is more versatile and is used in both formal speech and narrative writing to emphasize the subject's initiative.

무료 가입하고 팁과 노트 보기