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出国する

B1 verb #6,500 most common 9 min read

出国する

shukkoku suru Top 6,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 出国する in 30 Seconds

Explanation 出国する in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners should recognize the kanji for 'country' (国) and 'exit' (出). While 'shukkoku suru' might be a bit advanced for basic conversation, you will see it on signs at the airport. Think of it as 'The word I see when I leave Japan.' At this stage, you don't need to use it in speech; just know that when you see it at the airport, it means 'Departures' or 'Exiting the country.' You likely use 'iku' (go) or 'deru' (leave) instead. For example, 'Nihon o deru' is the simple version of 'shukkoku suru.' Use it to understand where to go when you are at Narita or Haneda airport. Look for the kanji 出国 on the big boards!

At the A2 level, you can start using 'shukkoku suru' in specific travel contexts. If you are describing your travel plans to a teacher or in a slightly formal writing exercise, this word is very useful. You should know that it is a 'suru' verb, so you say 'shukkoku shimasu' for the future and 'shukkoku shimashita' for the past. It's often paired with 'kara' (from) to show which airport you are leaving from. For example: 'Narita-kuukou kara shukkoku shimasu.' You should also recognize the word 'shukkoku-shinsa' (immigration check), as you will definitely hear this when traveling. It's a step up from just saying 'leaving.'

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'shukkoku suru' in formal and administrative contexts. You understand that this word is more formal than 'deru' and is the standard term for official departure. You can use it to discuss visa requirements, residency status, or travel logistics. You should also be familiar with common compounds like 'shukkoku-tetsuzuki' (departure procedures). At this level, you can distinguish between 'shukkoku' (leaving a country) and 'shuppatsu' (leaving a place/starting a journey). You should be able to explain your travel history using this verb in a formal interview or application form.

At the B2 level, you understand the legal and societal nuances of 'shukkoku suru.' You can use it to talk about news events, such as immigration trends, brain drain, or international relations. You are aware of related terms like 'rinichi' (leaving Japan) and 'kikoku' (returning home) and can choose the most appropriate word based on the context and the speaker's relationship to Japan. You can use the word in complex sentences with various particles and honorifics. For instance, you can discuss the 'shukkoku-zei' (departure tax) or the legal implications of 'shukkoku-meirei' (an order to depart). Your usage is precise and context-aware.

At the C1 level, you have a nuanced grasp of 'shukkoku suru' in academic, legal, and literary contexts. You can analyze how the word is used in government policy documents or international law discussions. You understand the subtle differences between 'shukkoku' and more specialized terms like 'taikyo' (departure/evacuation) or 'boumei' (asylum/fleeing the country). You can use the word to discuss complex topics like 'shukkoku-kanri' (immigration control) and the ethics of border crossing. You can also appreciate how the word might be used metaphorically in literature, though its primary use remains formal and administrative. Your vocabulary is extensive enough to use this word with high-level grammar.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like intuition for the register and placement of 'shukkoku suru.' You can use it flawlessly in high-stakes professional environments, such as diplomatic negotiations or legal proceedings. You understand the historical evolution of the term and its relation to Japan's border policies throughout history. You can discuss the word's role in the 'Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act' (入管法). You are capable of using the word in any grammatical construction, including highly formal honorifics or archaic styles if necessary. You can also identify and correct subtle misuses of the word by others, explaining the exact legal or social reason why a different term might be more appropriate.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

出国する in 30 Seconds

Official term for leaving a country.
Commonly used at airports and in news.
Formal register; use 'deru' for casual talk.
Focuses on the exit point, not destination.

The Japanese verb 出国する (しゅっこくする - shukkoku suru) is a formal and precise term used to describe the act of leaving a country. Composed of two kanji—出 (shutsu/deru) meaning 'to exit' or 'to leave' and 国 (koku/kuni) meaning 'country'—the word literally translates to 'exiting the country.' While English speakers might casually say they are 'leaving' or 'going abroad,' Japanese distinguishes between the general movement of travel and the official, legal act of passing through a border control point. This word is most frequently encountered in administrative, legal, and travel-related contexts, such as at airport immigration counters, in news reports regarding international relations, or when discussing official residency status.

Formal Context: Used in airport announcements and legal documents to denote the official departure from national jurisdiction.
Legal Nuance: Refers specifically to the process of clearing immigration (passport control) rather than just getting on a plane.
Grammatical Usage: It is a suru-verb, typically taking the particle 'o' (を) for the country being left, though often used absolutely in airport contexts.

Understanding the weight of this word is crucial for B1 learners. Unlike the simpler verb 行く (iku - to go), which focuses on the destination, 出国する focuses on the point of origin and the crossing of a boundary. For example, if you are at Narita Airport and have just passed through security and passport control, you have officially 'shukkoku'ed. This distinction is vital for filling out forms or understanding instructions from immigration officers. The word carries a sense of finality or official transition, making it less suitable for casual daily conversation unless you are specifically discussing travel logistics or legal requirements for visas.

明日、成田空港から出国する予定です。 (I plan to depart the country from Narita Airport tomorrow.)

In a broader cultural sense, the term reflects Japan's island geography. Because every exit from Japan involves crossing a sea or air border, the concept of 'leaving the country' is physically and legally distinct from simply driving across a border, as one might do in Europe or North America. This geographic reality reinforces the use of specific terminology like 出国 and its counterpart 入国 (nyuukoku - entering the country). When using this word, you are acknowledging the administrative reality of international travel. It is the language of passports, visas, and customs declarations.

Using 出国する correctly requires attention to particles and formality levels. As a transitive suru-verb, it most frequently pairs with the particle を (o) to indicate the country being exited. However, in many travel contexts, the country is implied (usually Japan if the speaker is in Japan), and the focus shifts to the time or the location of departure (using から (kara) for the airport or port).

Standard Pattern: [Country] を出国する (To leave [Country]). Example: 日本を出国する。
Location Focus: [Airport/Port] から出国する (To depart from [Airport]). Example: 羽田空港から出国します。
Time Focus: [Time] に出国する (To depart at [Time]). Example: 午後三時に出国しました。

It is important to note that 出国する is primarily a 'written' or 'formal spoken' word. In casual conversation among friends, Japanese speakers are more likely to say 「日本を出る」 (Nihon o deru - Leave Japan) or 「海外に行く」 (Kaigai ni iku - Go abroad). Using 出国する in a casual setting can make you sound like an immigration official or someone reading a news report. However, if you are discussing visa requirements or the logistics of your stay in Japan, this word is perfectly appropriate and demonstrates a high level of vocabulary proficiency.

ビザの期限が切れる前に、一度出国する必要があります。 (It is necessary to leave the country once before the visa expires.)

When modifying other nouns, the noun form 出国 (shukkoku) is used. This creates common compounds like 出国審査 (shukkoku shinsa - immigration departure check), 出国手続き (shukkoku tetsuzuki - departure procedures), and 出国ラッシュ (shukkoku rasshu - the departure rush during holidays). These compounds are essential for anyone navigating Japanese airports during peak seasons like Golden Week or Obon.

In professional settings, such as business travel reports, you might see the passive form 出国される (shukkoku sareru) when referring to a superior's departure, though the active form with honorifics like 出国なさる (shukkoku nasaru) is more common. For B1 learners, mastering the standard 出国します and 出国した forms is the priority, ensuring you can accurately describe your travel history or future plans in official contexts.

The most common place to encounter 出国する is undoubtedly the international airport. From the moment you enter the terminal, signs will point you toward the 出国ゲート (shukkoku geeto - departure gate) and the 出国審査場 (shukkoku shinsajo - immigration area). Announcements will inform passengers about the time they must complete their 出国手続き (shukkoku tetsuzuki). If you are listening to the PA system at Narita, Haneda, or Kansai International, you will hear this word repeated hundreds of times a day.

Beyond the airport, the word is a staple of Japanese news media. During the 'Golden Week' holiday in May or the 'Obon' season in August, news anchors frequently report on the 出国ラッシュ (shukkoku rasshu). You will hear sentences like: 「成田空港では、海外で休暇を過ごす人たちの出国ラッシュがピークを迎えています」 (At Narita Airport, the departure rush of people spending their holidays abroad is reaching its peak). In this context, the word highlights the mass movement of the population across borders.

News Reports: Used when discussing statistics of travelers, diplomatic exits, or criminal suspects fleeing the country.
Government Offices: Immigration officials (入国管理局 - nyuukoku kanrikyoku) use this term when discussing visa status and re-entry permits.
Travel Agencies: Brochures and websites use it to describe the start of a tour or travel itinerary.

In legal and political discourse, 出国する is used to describe the movement of people in a more abstract or serious sense. For instance, if a foreign diplomat is asked to leave the country, the news will use 出国を命じられた (shukkoku o meijirareta - was ordered to leave the country). Similarly, discussions about 'brain drain' or people moving abroad for better opportunities often utilize this term to emphasize the crossing of national borders as a significant life event.

「無事、出国手続きが終わりました。今から搭乗口へ向かいます。」 (I have successfully finished the departure procedures. I am heading to the boarding gate now.)

Finally, for foreign residents in Japan, this word is tied to the concept of the 再入国許可 (sainyuukoku kyoka - re-entry permit). When you fill out the small card at the airport to indicate you will be coming back to Japan, you are engaging with the legal process of 出国. Hearing an official ask, 「いつ出国されますか？」 (When will you be departing?) is a standard part of maintaining one's legal status while traveling. Thus, the word is not just 'travel vocab'—it's 'survival vocab' for anyone living in Japan long-term.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with 出国する is using the wrong particle to indicate the destination. In English, we say 'I am departing for London.' In Japanese, however, you cannot say 「ロンドンに出国する」. The verb 出国 specifically means 'leaving a country' (the one you are currently in). To specify the destination, you should use 出発する (shuppatsu suru - to depart) or 向かう (mukau - to head toward). Correct: 「ロンドンに向けて日本を出国した」 (Left Japan for London).

Mistake: Particle Confusion: Using 'ni' or 'e' for the destination with shukkoku. Remember: Shukkoku is about the exit point, not the goal.
Mistake: Register Mismatch: Using 'shukkoku suru' in a very casual setting, like telling a friend you're going to Korea for the weekend. It sounds too bureaucratic.
Mistake: Confusing with 帰国 (kikoku): If you are going back to your home country, 'kikoku suru' is much more natural and specific than 'shukkoku suru'.

Another common error is confusing 出国 (shukkoku) with 出発 (shuppatsu). While both involve leaving, 出発 is general and can refer to leaving a house, a station, or a city. 出国 is strictly for crossing national borders. You cannot 'shukkoku' from your apartment to the grocery store. Conversely, if you are at an international airport, 出国 is the more precise term for the legal act of leaving the country, while 出発 refers to the plane taking off.

❌ アメリカに出国します。 (Incorrect: Destination + shukkoku)
✅ アメリカに向けて日本を出国する。 (Correct: Leaving Japan for America)

Finally, learners sometimes forget that 出国する is a transitive verb in Japanese, even though 'depart' can be intransitive in English. If you want to say 'I left Japan,' you must use the particle を (o): 「日本を出国しました」. Using 「日本から出国した」 is technically understood and sometimes used for emphasis on the starting point, but 「を」 is the standard grammatical choice for the object being exited. Paying attention to these nuances separates a B1 learner from an A2 learner.

Japanese has several words that describe 'leaving' or 'departing,' each with a specific nuance. Choosing the right one depends on the formality of the situation and whether you are focusing on the border, the destination, or the act of travel itself.

出発する (shuppatsu suru): General departure. Used for trains, planes, and people. Focuses on the start of a journey.
Example: 電車が10時に出発する。 (The train departs at 10.)
離れる (hanareru): To physically move away from or leave a place. Often carries an emotional weight, like leaving one's hometown.
Example: 故郷を離れる。 (To leave one's hometown.)
帰国する (kikoku suru): To return to one's own country. This is a subset of 'shukkoku' but much more common when the traveler is going home.
Example: 来月、イギリスに帰国します。 (I will return to the UK next month.)
離日する (rinichi suru): Specifically 'leaving Japan.' Extremely formal. Used in newspapers for foreign dignitaries or professional athletes.
Example: 大統領は三日間の滞在を終え、離日した。 (The President left Japan after a three-day stay.)

The choice between 出国する and 海外へ行く (kaigai e iku) is a matter of register. If you are talking to a friend about your vacation to Thailand, 「タイに行く」 or 「海外旅行に行く」 is the natural choice. Using 出国する would sound like you are discussing your legal status or an official report. However, if you are at the airport and a staff member asks if you have finished your 'shukkoku tetsuzuki,' they are using the correct professional term.

「日本を出国する」 (Official/Legal focus)
「日本を離れる」 (Emotional/Physical focus)
「海外に行く」 (Casual/Purpose focus)

Another word often confused is 退去 (taikyo), which means 'evacuation' or 'departure from a premises.' In a legal context, 強制退去 (kyousei taikyo) means 'deportation' (forced departure). While this involves 'shukkoku,' the nuance is entirely different. 出国 is the neutral, standard term for the act of leaving, whereas 退去 implies leaving a specific space, often under some form of obligation or necessity.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 国 (country) used to be written as 國, which shows a territory (囗) protected by a spear (戈) and people (口). Leaving the country meant leaving that protection.

Pronunciation Guide

UK ʃɯkːokɯ sɯɾɯ

US ʃʊkːoʊkuː suːruː

The pitch starts low on 'shu', rises on 'kko', and stays relatively flat on 'ku suru' (Heiban pattern).

Rhymes With

Zokkoku (vassal state) Bokkoku (rise of a nation) Nyuukoku (entry to a country) Kikoku (return to country) Tengoku (heaven) Jigoku (hell) Kankoku (South Korea) Chougoku (China - archaic)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'u' sounds too strongly (like 'shoo-koh-koo'). In Japanese, they are often devoiced.
Forgetting the small 'tsu' pause, making it sound like 'shukoku' (which means 'lord of a country').

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are basic (N5/N4), but the compound word is N3/B1 level.

Writing 4/5

Writing 'shukkoku' requires knowing the 'koku' kanji correctly, which is easy, but the context must be right.

Speaking 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but learners often use 'iku' instead.

Listening 3/5

Common in airport announcements; clear pronunciation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

国 (kuni) 出る (deru) 行く (iku) 空港 (kuukou) 飛行機 (hikouki)

Learn Next

入国 (nyuukoku) 帰国 (kikoku) 滞在 (taizai) 手続き (tetsuzuki) 審査 (shinsa)

Advanced

離日 (rinichi) 渡航 (tokou) 亡命 (boumei) 強制退去 (kyousei taikyo) 査証 (sashou - visa)

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs

出国する、勉強する、散歩する。

Particle 'o' for leaving a place

家を出る、日本を出国する。

V-plain + mae ni (Before doing V)

出国する前に、お土産を買う。

V-te + kara (After doing V)

出国してから、寂しくなった。

Noun + に際して (Upon/At the time of)

出国に際して、注意点を確認する。

Examples by Level

日本を出国します。

I will leave Japan.

Simple 'o' particle usage with a suru-verb.

あした、出国します。

I will depart the country tomorrow.

Time adverb 'ashita' used with the verb.

出国はどこですか？

Where is the departure (area)?

Using the noun form 'shukkoku' in a simple question.

ここで出国手続きをします。

Do the departure procedures here.

'Tetsuzuki' (procedures) is a common noun paired with shukkoku.

出国ゲートに行きます。

I am going to the departure gate.

'Gate' is a loanword from English.

パスポートを持って出国します。

I will depart with my passport.

Using the 'te-form' of 'motsu' (to hold/have) to show state.

出国する人は多いです。

There are many people leaving the country.

Using the verb to modify the noun 'hito' (people).

さようなら、出国します。

Goodbye, I am leaving the country.

Casual farewell paired with formal verb.

成田空港から出国しました。

I departed from Narita Airport.

Using 'kara' (from) to indicate the starting point.

日本を出国する前に、お土産を買います。

Before leaving Japan, I will buy souvenirs.

'V-plain + mae ni' means 'before doing V'.

彼はもう出国しましたか？

Has he already left the country?

'Mou' (already) with the past tense.

出国審査は時間がかかります。

Immigration departure check takes time.

'Jikan ga kakaru' is a set phrase for 'takes time'.

家族と一緒に日本を出国する。

I will leave Japan together with my family.

'To issho ni' means 'together with'.

出国するとき、カードを書きます。

When I leave the country, I write a card.

'V-plain + toki' means 'when V'.

来週、韓国へ出国する予定です。

I plan to leave (Japan) for Korea next week.

'Yotei' (plan) used to express future intention.

出国ロビーはとても広いです。

The departure lobby is very spacious.

'Lobby' is a loanword from English.

ビザを更新しないなら、出国しなければなりません。

If you don't renew your visa, you must leave the country.

'Nakereba narimasen' indicates obligation.

出国手続きを済ませてから、免税店に行きました。

After finishing the departure procedures, I went to the duty-free shop.

'V-te kara' means 'after doing V'.

台風の影響で、多くの人が出国できなくなった。

Due to the typhoon, many people became unable to leave the country.

Potential form 'dekiru' in the negative past 'dekinakunatta'.

彼は急用で、予定より早く出国した。

He left the country earlier than planned due to urgent business.

'Yori hayaku' means 'earlier than'.

出国する際に、税関で荷物をチェックされます。

When leaving the country, your luggage is checked at customs.

Passive form 'chekku saremasu' (is checked).

留学が終わったので、来月出国することにしました。

Since my study abroad ended, I decided to leave the country next month.

'Koto ni shimashita' indicates a personal decision.

日本を出国して、世界一周の旅に出る。

I will leave Japan and set out on a trip around the world.

Te-form used to connect two sequential actions.

出国ゲートの近くに、美味しいカフェがあります。

There is a delicious cafe near the departure gate.

'Chikaku ni' (near) indicates location.

不法滞在者は強制的に出国させられた。

The illegal residents were forced to leave the country.

Causative-passive form 'shukkoku saserareta' (was made to depart).

出国ラッシュを避けるために、平日に出発した。

In order to avoid the departure rush, I departed on a weekday.

'Tame ni' indicates purpose.

彼は日本を出国し、二度と戻ってこなかった。

He left Japan and never came back.

'Nido to ... nai' means 'never again'.

出国前に、銀行で外貨に両替しておいたほうがいい。

It's better to exchange money for foreign currency at the bank before departing.

'V-te oku' indicates doing something in preparation.

空港の出国ロビーは、別れを惜しむ人々で溢れていた。

The airport departure lobby was overflowing with people reluctant to say goodbye.

'Oshimu' (to regret/value) describes the emotion of parting.

政府は、特定の人物の出国を禁止する措置をとった。

The government took measures to prohibit specific individuals from leaving the country.

'Sochi o toru' means 'to take measures'.

出国届を提出するのを忘れないでください。

Please don't forget to submit the departure notification.

'V-ru no o wasureru' means 'to forget to do V'.

彼は多額の負債を抱えたまま出国した。

He left the country while still carrying a large amount of debt.

'Mama' indicates a continuing state.

法務大臣は、その外国人の出国を一時的に差し止めた。

The Minister of Justice temporarily suspended the foreigner's departure from the country.

'Sashitomeru' is a formal legal term for 'to suspend/halt'.

出国管理制度の厳格化により、審査に時間がかかるようになった。

Due to the tightening of the immigration control system, the screening process has come to take more time.

'Genkakuka' (tightening/stricter) and 'you ni naru' (come to be).

彼は政治的迫害を逃れるため、隣国へ出国した。

He fled to a neighboring country to escape political persecution.

'Nogareru' (to escape) is a formal literary verb.

出国者数の推移を分析すると、観光客の増加が顕著である。

Analyzing the trends in the number of people leaving the country, the increase in tourists is remarkable.

'Sui-i' (trends/transition) and 'kencho' (remarkable/notable).

日本を出国して以来、彼は一度も故郷の土を踏んでいない。

Since leaving Japan, he hasn't set foot in his hometown even once.

'V-te irai' means 'ever since V'.

出国に際して、健康診断証明書の提示が求められる場合がある。

Upon departure, there are cases where the presentation of a health certificate is required.

'Ni saishite' is a formal way to say 'upon/at the time of'.

二重国籍者が出国する場合、どちらのパスポートを使用すべきか。

When a dual citizen leaves the country, which passport should they use?

'Bekika' (should one?) used in a formal inquiry.

出国ゲートをくぐれば、そこはもう日本の法権が及ばない場所だ。

Once you pass through the departure gate, it is a place where Japan's legal jurisdiction no longer reaches.

'Houken ga oyobu' (legal jurisdiction reaches).

出国命令を受けた外国人は、速やかに本邦を去らなければならない。

Foreigners who have received a departure order must promptly leave this country.

'Honpou' (this country/this land) is a highly formal term for Japan.

被告人の海外逃亡を防ぐため、裁判所は出国禁止命令を出した。

To prevent the defendant from fleeing abroad, the court issued a departure prohibition order.

'Toubou' (fleeing/escape) and 'kinshi-meirei' (prohibition order).

グローバル化の進展に伴い、出国手続きの簡素化が検討されている。

With the progress of globalization, the simplification of departure procedures is being considered.

'Ni tomonai' (along with/as a result of).

出入国管理及び難民認定法に基づき、適切な処置が執られた。

Appropriate measures were taken based on the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.

'Ni motozuki' (based on) and 'shochi ga torareta' (measures were taken).

出国時の所持品検査において、ワシントン条約に抵触する物品が見つかった。

During the inspection of belongings at departure, items violating the Washington Convention were found.

'Teishoku suru' (to conflict with/violate).

彼は自身の信念を貫くため、祖国を出国し、亡命の道を選んだ。

To stand by his beliefs, he left his motherland and chose the path of asylum.

'Shinnen o tsuranuku' (to stick to one's beliefs).

出国審査場における顔認証システムの導入は、セキュリティ向上に寄与している。

The introduction of facial recognition systems at immigration departure areas contributes to improved security.

'Kiyo shite iru' (contributing to).

戦時下において、国民の自由な出国は厳しく制限されていた。

Under wartime conditions, the free departure of citizens was strictly restricted.

'Ka' (under/during) and 'seigen' (restriction).

Synonyms

離日する出発する旅立つ出る国外へ行く退去する渡航する出国を果たす

Antonyms

入国する帰国する来日する滞在する

Common Collocations

出国手続き

出国審査

出国ラッシュ

日本を出国する

無事に出国する

出国ゲート

出国命令

出国税

出国ロビー

一時出国

Common Phrases

出国手続きを済ませる

— To finish the departure procedures. Used when you have cleared all airport checks.

出国手続きを済ませて、免税店で買い物をした。

出国ラッシュに巻き込まれる

— To get caught in the departure rush. Used during peak holiday seasons.

出国ラッシュに巻き込まれて、飛行機に乗り遅れそうになった。

出国を差し止める

— To halt or block someone's departure. A legal or administrative action.

警察は容疑者の出国を差し止めた。

出国の日が近づく

— The day of departure is approaching. Used when counting down to a trip.

出国の日が近づいて、少し寂しくなった。

出国を見送る

— To see someone off at their departure.

友人の出国を空港で見送った。

円満に出国する

— To leave the country on good terms (without legal issues).

彼は任期を終え、円満に出国した。

予定通り出国する

— To depart as planned.

飛行機は遅れず、予定通り出国できた。

出国を取りやめる

— To cancel one's departure from the country.

急病のため、出国を取りやめた。

出国の準備をする

— To prepare for departure (packing, documents, etc.).

一週間前から出国の準備を始めた。

不法に出国する

— To leave the country illegally.

彼は偽造パスポートで不法に出国しようとした。

Often Confused With

出国する vs 出発する

General departure vs. border departure.

出国する vs 離日する

Leaving Japan (foreigners only) vs. general country departure.

出国する vs 帰国する

Returning home vs. just leaving the current country.

Idioms & Expressions

"出国は一日にして成らず"

— (Play on words) Preparation for leaving a country (moving) takes time and effort.

引っ越しは大変だ。出国は一日にして成らずだ。

Humorous

"出国ゲートをくぐる"

— To pass through the gate; symbolizes the final point of no return for a journey.

出国ゲートをくぐると、もう後戻りはできない。

Literary

"空路出国"

— Leaving the country by air.

今回は海路ではなく空路出国を選んだ。

Formal

"海路出国"

— Leaving the country by sea.

豪華客船での海路出国は夢のようだ。

Formal

"出国の一途をたどる"

— (Rare) To be on a one-way path to leaving (no intention of returning).

彼は日本を捨て、出国の一途をたどった。

Dramatic

"出国を急ぐ"

— To be in a hurry to leave the country.

事件の後、彼は慌てて出国を急いだ。

Neutral

"出国の途につく"

— To start the process/journey of leaving the country.

彼は多くの人に見守られながら、出国の途についた。

Formal

"出国を阻む"

— To block someone from leaving.

嵐が出国を阻んだ。

Neutral

"出国を待たずして"

— Without waiting for the departure (something happened before leaving).

出国を待たずして、彼は倒れてしまった。

Formal

"出国の暁には"

— Upon the occasion of leaving (looking forward to it).

出国の暁には、盛大なパーティーを開こう。

Formal

Easily Confused

出国する vs 出発 (shuppatsu)

Both mean 'depart'.

Shuppatsu is for any journey start; Shukkoku is only for crossing national borders.

家を出発する (Correct) / 家を出国する (Incorrect).

出国する vs 入国 (nyuukoku)

Opposite meaning but similar sound.

Shukkoku is exit; Nyuukoku is entry.

日本に入国する (Enter Japan).

出国する vs 出国 (shukkoku) vs. 出獄 (shutsugoku)

Similar sound.

Shukkoku is leaving a country; Shutsugoku is leaving prison.

刑務所を出獄する (Leave prison).

出国する vs 外遊 (gaiyuu)

Involves leaving the country.

Gaiyuu specifically means a high-ranking official's tour abroad.

首相が欧州を外遊する。

出国する vs 渡航 (tokou)

Both involve going abroad.

Tokou emphasizes the travel/voyage; Shukkoku emphasizes the border crossing.

海外渡航の制限。

Sentence Patterns

[Country] を出国します。

日本を出国します。

[Airport] から出国しました。

羽田空港から出国しました。

[V-plain] 前に出国する。

ビザが切れる前に出国する。

出国する [Noun]

出国する人。

[V-te] から出国する。

手続きを済ませてから出国する。

出国を [Verb-passive]

出国を禁止された。

出国に際して、[Action]

出国に際して、書類を提出する。

[Law] に基づき、出国する。

入管法に基づき、出国する。

Word Family

Nouns

出国 (shukkoku - departure)

出国者 (shukkoku-sha - person leaving)

出国税 (shukkoku-zei - departure tax)

出国管理 (shukkoku-kanri - immigration control)

Verbs

出国する (shukkoku suru - to leave country)

入国 (nyuukoku - entry)

帰国 (kikoku - return home)

外国 (gaikoku - foreign country)

国内 (kokunai - domestic)

国境 (kokkyou - border)

How to Use It

frequency

High in travel and news; low in daily household talk.

Common Mistakes

アメリカに出国する。 → アメリカに向けて出国する / 日本を出国してアメリカに行く。
'Shukkoku' focuses on the country you are leaving, not the destination. Use 'ni' with 'iku' or 'mukau'.
家を出国します。 → 家を出ます / 家を出発します。
'Shukkoku' is only for countries. You cannot 'shukkoku' from a house.
明日、入国します。 (when meaning to leave) → 明日、出国します。
Don't confuse 'nyuu' (enter) with 'shu' (exit).
日本から出国する。 (as the only way) → 日本を出国する。
While 'kara' is sometimes used, 'o' is the grammatically standard particle for the object of 'shukkoku suru'.
友達と出国する。 (casually) → 友達と海外に行く。
'Shukkoku' is too formal for a casual chat about a fun vacation.

Tips

Airport Signs

Always look for the '出国' kanji at Japanese airports. It will lead you to the international departures area, not domestic.

Particle Choice

Remember: [Country] を出国する. Even though it feels like 'from', 'o' is the standard transitive particle here.

Antonym Pair

Learn 'shukkoku' (exit) and 'nyuukoku' (entry) together. They are the 'in and out' of international travel.

Formality

Use 'shukkoku' in business meetings or interviews about your time in Japan. It sounds more professional than 'kaigai ni iku'.

News Keywords

If you see '出国' in a headline, it's likely about travel trends or someone famous leaving the country.

Re-entry Permit

If you live in Japan, 'shukkoku' involves checking the 're-entry' box on your embarkation card. Don't forget!

Small Tsu

Don't skip the pause in 'shu-kko-ku'. Without it, you might be saying 'shukoku' (lord of the country).

Kanji Logic

Exit (出) + Country (国). It's one of the most logical kanji compounds for beginners to memorize.

Immigration

'Shukkoku shinsa' is where they stamp your passport. Knowing this word helps you stay calm during the process.

Shoe-Country

'Shu' (Shoes) + 'Koku' (Country). Put on your shoes to leave the country.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

'SHU' like 'shoe' - put on your shoes to leave. 'KOKU' means country. Put on your shoes to leave the country!

Visual Association

Imagine a giant red 'EXIT' sign (出) hanging over a map of Japan (国).

Word Web

Airport Passport Visa Immigration Airplane Suitcase Goodbye Border

Challenge

Try to use 'shukkoku suru' instead of 'kaigai ni iku' next time you talk about your official travel plans.

Word Origin

Sino-Japanese (Kango) origin. It combines the characters for 'exit' and 'country'.

Original meaning: To exit the boundaries of a state or territory.

Japonic (Sino-Japanese vocabulary).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'shukkoku' in contexts involving refugees or forced deportations (强制退去), as the legal weight of the word becomes very heavy.

English speakers often use 'leaving' for everything. In Japanese, 'shukkoku' is specifically for the border, making it more precise than the English equivalent.

The 'Narita Divorce' (Narita Rikon) - a slang term for couples who break up immediately after returning from their honeymoon, often starting with tensions during 'shukkoku' or 'nyuukoku' procedures. 'Shukkoku' is a common chapter title in travel memoirs.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Airport

出国手続きはどこですか？
出国ゲートは何番ですか？
無事に出国できました。
出国審査が混んでいます。

Visa Discussion

ビザが切れる前に出国します。
一度出国する必要がありますか？
出国期限はいつですか？
再入国許可を持って出国する。

News Report

出国ラッシュがピークです。
容疑者が海外に出国した。
出国者数が過去最高になった。
政府が出国を制限した。

Business Travel

出張で明日出国します。
出国の準備が整いました。
出国予定日を変更する。
現地での滞在後、出国する。

Saying Goodbye

出国前に会いましょう。
彼の出国を見送る。
出国の日、晴れるといいね。
出国してからも連絡してね。

Conversation Starters

"いつ日本を出国する予定ですか？ (When do you plan to leave Japan?)"

"出国手続きで困ったことはありますか？ (Have you ever had trouble with departure procedures?)"

"出国ラッシュの時期に旅行したことがありますか？ (Have you ever traveled during a departure rush?)"

"出国前に必ず食べる日本料理は何ですか？ (What Japanese food do you always eat before leaving the country?)"

"出国審査の顔認証システムについてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about the facial recognition system at immigration?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、ついに出国の日が来た。今の気持ちを書いてください。 (Today, the day of departure finally arrived. Write about your feelings.)

出国手続きの列に並んでいるとき、何を考えていますか？ (What are you thinking about while waiting in the immigration line?)

もし明日、突然出国しなければならなくなったら、何を持っていきますか？ (If you suddenly had to leave the country tomorrow, what would you take with you?)

「出国」という言葉から連想する思い出を書いてください。 (Write about a memory you associate with the word 'shukkoku'.)

海外旅行の始まりである「出国」の瞬間について描写してください。 (Describe the moment of 'shukkoku', the start of an overseas trip.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. 'Shukkoku' (出国) literally means 'exiting the country.' For leaving a city, use 'shuppatsu suru' or 'shirizoku.'

'Deru' is a general verb for 'to exit' (a room, a house, a building). 'Shukkoku' is the specific, formal term for exiting a country's borders.

Yes, but they often use 'kaigai ni iku' (going abroad) in casual talk. 'Shukkoku' is used when they are at the airport or talking about the process.

Use 'o' (を) for the country you are leaving (e.g., Nihon o shukkoku suru). Use 'kara' (から) for the airport (e.g., Narita kara shukkoku suru).

No. It just describes the act of leaving. If you are coming back, you usually get a 'sainyuukoku kyoka' (re-entry permit).

It is a noun that becomes a verb when you add 'suru'. (出国 = departure, 出国する = to depart).

It is 'shukkoku-zei' (出国税).

No. 'Shukkoku' doesn't take a destination with 'ni'. Say 'America e mukau' or 'Japan o shukkoku shite America e iku.'

It usually happens during Golden Week (late April/early May), Obon (mid-August), and New Year's holidays.

Yes, particularly when discussing the 'Sakoku' (closed country) period when 'shukkoku' was strictly controlled.