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外食する

B1 verb #3,000 most common 9 min read

外食する

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 外食する in 30 Seconds

Explanation 外食する in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'gaishoku suru' as a basic vocabulary word for daily activities. You can use it to describe a simple action like 'I eat out.' Beginners should focus on the present tense 'gaishoku shimasu' and the past tense 'gaishoku shimashita.' It's helpful to learn it alongside 'resutoran' (restaurant). At this stage, you don't need to worry about the deep nuances; just think of it as the Japanese way to say 'dining out.' You might use it when answering questions about your weekend or your favorite things to do. For example, 'Shuumatsu wa gaishoku shimasu' (I eat out on weekends). It is a 'suru-verb,' which is one of the first grammar patterns you learn. This makes it a great word to practice your basic verb conjugations. Try to remember the two kanji: 'outside' and 'eat.' Even if you can't write them yet, recognizing them will help you read menus and signs in Japan.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'gaishoku suru' in more complex sentences by adding frequency adverbs and reasons. You should be able to say things like 'Tokidoki gaishoku shimasu' (I sometimes eat out) or 'Isogashii node gaishoku shimashita' (I ate out because I was busy). You can also begin to use the negative form 'gaishoku shimasen' and the 'let's' form 'gaishoku shimashou.' This is the level where you distinguish between 'gaishoku' and 'bentou' (lunchbox). You might also start using the particle 'de' to say where the action happens, like 'Kazoku to resutoran de gaishoku shimashita.' Understanding that 'gaishoku' is a category of activity helps you talk about your lifestyle more clearly. You can also use it to ask simple questions to others about their habits, which is a key skill for basic conversation at the A2 level.

At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance that 'gaishoku suru' is slightly more formal or objective than 'tabe ni iku.' You can use it to talk about social trends or personal budgeting. For instance, you might discuss the pros and cons of eating out versus cooking at home ('gaishoku' vs 'jisui'). You should be comfortable using the word in various grammatical structures, such as 'gaishoku suru koto ga ooi' (There are many times when I eat out) or 'gaishoku suru no o hikaeru' (To refrain from eating out). You can also use it to describe specific types of dining out experiences. At this level, you are expected to handle more natural conversations where you might say 'Gaishoku bakari shite iru to kenkou ni yoku nai desu yo' (Eating out all the time isn't good for your health). You should also be familiar with related terms like 'gaishoku-hi' (dining out expenses).

At the B2 level, you can use 'gaishoku suru' in discussions about the economy, health, and society. You should be able to understand and use the term in the context of the 'gaishoku sangyo' (dining-out industry). You can discuss the impact of technology on dining out, such as delivery apps or online reservations. Your sentences should be more sophisticated, using patterns like 'Gaishoku suru kikai ga heru' (Opportunities to eat out are decreasing) or 'Gaishoku suru sai ni wa, eiyou baransu ni ki o tsukeru' (When eating out, pay attention to the nutritional balance). You should also understand the cultural nuances, such as why someone might choose 'gaishoku' over 'nakashoku' (takeout). At this level, you can participate in debates or write essays about the changing food culture in Japan, using 'gaishoku' as a key thematic term.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of 'gaishoku suru' as both a verb and a socio-economic concept. You can analyze the 'gaishoku' market trends and discuss the implications of changing consumer behavior on the traditional Japanese food industry. You should be able to use the word in formal reports, academic discussions, or high-level business negotiations. You understand the subtle differences between 'gaishoku,' 'kaishoku,' and 'setsuen' (business entertainment). You can also use the word metaphorically or in complex grammatical constructions like 'Gaishoku suru koto no zehi o tou' (To question the pros and cons of eating out). Your vocabulary should include related technical terms like 'gaishoku ritsu' (the rate of dining out in a population). You can read professional articles about the 'gaishoku market' without difficulty and can express nuanced opinions on how 'gaishoku' affects community building and social interaction in modern Japan.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'gaishoku suru' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can use it in any register, from extremely formal academic writing to nuanced casual speech. You can discuss the historical evolution of 'gaishoku' from the Edo period to the present day, linking it to urbanization and shifts in family structure. You can use the word in complex literary or philosophical contexts, perhaps discussing the 'gaishoku' culture as a reflection of post-modern isolation or social connectivity. You are also aware of the most obscure idioms or professional jargon related to the 'gaishoku' industry. You can effortlessly switch between 'gaishoku' and its synonyms to achieve the exact tone and nuance you desire. Your ability to use this word in puns, wordplay, or high-level rhetoric is fully developed, allowing you to engage in sophisticated cultural discourse at the highest level.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

外食する in 30 Seconds

外食する (gaishoku suru) is a common verb meaning 'to eat out' or 'to dine out' at a restaurant or food establishment.
It is a Group 3 'suru-verb' composed of the kanji for 'outside' (外) and 'eat' (食), making it easy to remember.
While slightly more formal than 'tabe ni iku,' it is used frequently in both daily conversation and professional contexts.
It specifically refers to commercial dining and is often contrasted with 'jisui' (cooking at home) and 'nakashoku' (takeout).

The Japanese verb 外食する (gaishoku suru) is a compound verb consisting of two kanji characters and the auxiliary verb 'suru'. The first kanji, 外 (gai), means 'outside' or 'external,' while the second kanji, 食 (shoku), means 'to eat' or 'food.' When combined, they literally translate to 'performing the act of eating outside.' In a practical sense, it refers to the activity of dining out at a restaurant, cafe, or any commercial food establishment rather than eating a meal prepared at home. This term is incredibly common in modern Japanese society, reflecting a culture that balances a deep appreciation for home-cooked meals with a vibrant, world-class restaurant industry.

Societal Context: In Japan, 'gaishoku' is not just a luxury; it is a fundamental part of the lifestyle for many urban dwellers. Due to long working hours and small living spaces, many people rely on 'gaishoku' for their primary nutrition. The term covers everything from a quick bowl of standing ramen at a train station to a multi-course kaiseki meal at a high-end ryotei.
Economic Nuance: The word is frequently used in economic and statistical contexts to discuss the 'gaishoku sangyo' or the dining-out industry. When people talk about their monthly budget, they often categorize 'gaishoku-hi' (dining out expenses) separately from 'shokuryou-hin' (grocery costs).

週末は家族と一緒に外食するのが楽しみです。 (I look forward to eating out with my family on the weekends.)

While 'gaishoku suru' is the standard verb, it carries a slightly more formal or objective tone compared to the casual phrase 'soto de taberu' (to eat outside/out). You will hear it used in news reports, business surveys, and general conversation when referring to the habit or the general concept of dining out. It is essential to distinguish it from 'nakashoku' (eating ready-made food at home) and 'jisui' (cooking for oneself).

最近は健康のために外食する回数を減らしています。 (Lately, I've been reducing the number of times I eat out for the sake of my health.)

The historical evolution of 'gaishoku' in Japan is fascinating. During the Edo period, 'gaishoku' was popularized by food stalls (yatai) serving sushi, tempura, and soba to busy workers. Today, the term encompasses a massive variety of global cuisines found in Japan's dense urban centers. When you use this word, you are tapping into a major pillar of Japanese daily life and economy.

Using 外食する correctly involves understanding its role as a 'suru-verb' (Group 3 verb). This means it can be conjugated into various forms such as 'gaishoku shimasu' (polite), 'gaishoku shita' (past), and 'gaishoku shinai' (negative). It functions as a complete action in itself and usually doesn't require a direct object, although you can specify the location or the companions using particles.

Particle Usage: 'De' vs 'Ni': When you want to specify where you are eating out, you use the particle 'de' (at). For example, 'Ginza de gaishoku suru' (to eat out in Ginza). Unlike the verb 'iku' (to go), you don't typically use 'ni' with 'gaishoku suru' unless you are expressing a purpose like 'gaishoku ni iku' (to go out to eat).
Frequency Adverbs: Because 'gaishoku suru' often describes a habit, it is frequently paired with frequency adverbs like 'yoku' (often), 'tama ni' (occasionally), or 'metta ni... nai' (rarely). Example: 'Isogashii toki wa yoku gaishoku shimasu' (I often eat out when I'm busy).

今夜は料理をする時間がないので、外食しましょう。 (Since there's no time to cook tonight, let's eat out.)

In business settings, you might use more formal versions of the verb. While 'gaishoku suru' is neutral, in a professional report, you might see 'gaishoku o suru' (adding the object particle 'o') or 'gaishoku o okonau' (to conduct/carry out dining out). However, for everyday conversation, 'gaishoku suru' is the most natural and versatile form.

一週間に何回外食しますか？ (How many times a week do you eat out?)

Another important aspect is the negative form 'gaishoku shinai'. This is often used to express a commitment to saving money or eating healthier. 'Kongo wa amari gaishoku shinai tsumori desu' (I intend not to eat out much from now on). This versatility across tenses and moods makes 'gaishoku suru' a vital tool for expressing your daily habits and plans.

You will encounter 外食する in a variety of real-life scenarios in Japan. It is a staple of both casual small talk and professional reporting. Understanding where it appears helps you grasp its register—which is generally neutral but carries a hint of 'categorization' that 'tabe ni iku' lacks.

In the Office: During lunch breaks, colleagues might ask each other, 'Kyo wa bento? Sore tomo gaishoku?' (Today is it a lunchbox? Or eating out?). It's a quick way to categorize lunch plans. It's also used in surveys about employee habits or when discussing company expense policies for client dinners.
News and Media: On Japanese television news, especially when discussing inflation or tax changes (like the consumption tax hike), you will frequently hear 'gaishoku' discussed as a sector. For example, 'Gaishoku sangyo no uriage ga gensho shite imasu' (Sales in the dining-out industry are decreasing).

「今日は給料日だから、豪華に外食しましょう！」 (Since today is payday, let's eat out luxuriously!)

In lifestyle magazines and blogs, 'gaishoku' is used to categorize articles about restaurant recommendations. You might see headlines like 'Hitori gaishoku no susume' (Recommendations for solo dining out) or 'Gaishoku demo yaseru houhou' (How to lose weight even when eating out). This shows how the word is used to define a specific mode of consumption.

最近の若者はあまり外食しない傾向にあるそうです。 (It is said that young people these days have a tendency not to eat out very much.)

Finally, you'll hear it in family settings when deciding what to do for dinner. 'Tamani wa gaishoku shitai na' (I want to eat out for a change) is a common sentiment expressed by parents who are tired of cooking. It serves as a clear, concise way to propose a change in the evening routine.

While 外食する is a relatively straightforward word, English speakers often make nuanced mistakes regarding its scope and formality. Understanding these pitfalls will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid confusion in specific contexts.

Mistake 1: Using it for picnics or outdoor eating: The 'gai' in 'gaishoku' means 'outside' the home, not necessarily 'outdoors.' If you are eating a lunchbox in a park, that is 'soto de taberu' but not 'gaishoku.' 'Gaishoku' specifically implies paying for service and food prepared by a business.
Mistake 2: Over-reliance in casual settings: While not wrong, saying 'gaishoku shimasu' can sound a bit clinical or stiff in very casual conversation with close friends. In those cases, 'doko ka ni tabe ni iku' (go somewhere to eat) or 'gohan ni iku' (go for a meal) is often more natural.

Incorrect: 公園で外食しました。 (I ate out in the park - implies there was a restaurant in the park.)
Correct: 公園でお弁当を食べました。 (I ate a lunchbox in the park.)

Another common error is confusing 'gaishoku' with 'shokuji.' 'Shokuji' means 'a meal' in general. You can have a 'shokuji' at home. 'Gaishoku' specifically denotes the location and service. Don't say 'gaishoku o taberu' because 'gaishoku' is the act of eating out, not the food itself. You can say 'gaishoku suru' or 'gaishoku ni deru'.

Incorrect: 外食を食べて美味しかった。 (I ate 'eating out' and it was delicious.)
Correct: 外食した料理が美味しかった。 (The food I had when eating out was delicious.)

Lastly, be careful with the particle 'o'. While 'gaishoku o suru' is grammatically correct, it is much more common to drop the 'o' and just say 'gaishoku suru' in daily speech. Adding the 'o' makes it sound more deliberate and formal, which might be out of place in a casual chat about where to go for dinner.

To truly master Japanese, you need to know the alternatives to 外食する and when to choose one over the other. The Japanese language has several words that describe where and how you eat, each with its own specific nuance.

食べに行く (Tabe ni iku): This is the most common casual alternative. It literally means 'to go to eat.' It focuses on the movement and the intent. If you're asking a friend to go out for a burger, you'd likely say 'Gohan tabe ni ikanai?' (Won't you go eat food?).
中食 (Nakashoku): This is a relatively modern term that bridges the gap between 'gaishoku' and 'jisui' (home cooking). It refers to buying prepared food (like from a convenience store or department store basement) and eating it at home. It literally means 'middle eating.'
自炊する (Jisui suru): The direct antonym of 'gaishoku suru.' It means to cook for oneself. People often contrast these two when discussing their lifestyle or budget. 'Gaishoku o yamete, jisui suru koto ni shita' (I stopped eating out and decided to cook for myself).

「今日は外食にする？それとも中食にする？」 (Shall we eat out today? Or buy something to eat at home?)

Another interesting term is 食べ歩き (tabearuki). This means 'eating while walking' or 'going from place to place to try different foods.' It implies a foodie adventure rather than just a standard meal. If you are going to a festival or a famous food street, this is the word you want.

平日は自炊、週末は外食というリズムが定着しています。 (A rhythm of cooking for myself on weekdays and eating out on weekends has become established.)

Finally, consider the word 会食 (kaishoku). This sounds very similar to 'gaishoku' but means a formal dinner or a banquet, usually for business or social networking. Mixing these up can lead to misunderstandings; 'gaishoku' is about where you eat, while 'kaishoku' is about the social purpose of the meal.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The concept of 'gaishoku' as a popular activity exploded in the Edo period (1603-1868) when Japan's urban population grew and 'yatai' (food stalls) became the original fast food.

Pronunciation Guide

UK ɡaɪ.ʃo̞.kɯᵝ sɯᵝ.ɾɯᵝ

US ɡaɪ.ʃoʊ.ku su.ru

Flat pitch accent (Heiban). All morae are generally spoken with the same intensity, often starting low and rising.

Rhymes With

Naishoku (Eating at home) Taishoku (Retirement) Kaishoku (Formal dining) Saishoku (Vegetarian diet) Koshoku (Eating alone) Kyoshoku (Eating together) Zenshoku (Previous job) Danshoku (Fasting)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'gai' as 'gay' (it should be 'guy').
Over-emphasizing the 'u' at the end of 'shoku' and 'suru' (they are often devoiced).
Using an English 'r' for 'suru' instead of the Japanese tap.
Adding a long vowel to 'shoku' (it is short).
Misplacing the pitch accent on the first syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji are basic (JLPT N4/N5 level), making it easy to recognize.

Writing 3/5

Writing 'shoku' (食) requires some practice with stroke order.

Speaking 2/5

Simple suru-verb conjugation; easy to pronounce.

Listening 2/5

Clear, distinct sounds that are common in daily life.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

外 (Soto/Gai) 食 (Taberu/Shoku) する (Suru) レストラン (Resutoran) ご飯 (Gohan)

Learn Next

自炊 (Jisui) 中食 (Nakashoku) 飲食店 (Inshokuten) 注文する (Chuumon suru) 会計 (Kaikei)

Advanced

飽和状態 (Houwa joutai) 消費者動向 (Shouhisha doukou) 福利厚生 (Fukuri kousei) 軽減税率 (Keigen zeiritsu) 食生活 (Shokuseikatsu)

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs (Group 3)

外食する、外食します、外食した

Particle 'de' for location

レストランで外食する

Nominalizing with 'no' or 'koto'

外食するのは楽しいです。

Expressing decisions with 'koto ni suru'

今夜は外食することにしました。

Frequency adverbs with verbs

よく外食します。

Examples by Level

今日は外食します。

Today I will eat out.

Simple present/future tense with 'shimasu'.

週末は外食しましたか？

Did you eat out on the weekend?

Past tense question form 'shimashita ka'.

外食は楽しいです。

Eating out is fun.

'Gaishoku' used as a noun with the adjective 'tanoshii'.

お母さんと外食しました。

I ate out with my mother.

Using the particle 'to' to indicate a companion.

時々、外食します。

I sometimes eat out.

Using the frequency adverb 'tokidoki'.

レストランで外食しましょう。

Let's eat out at a restaurant.

Volitional form 'shimashou' meaning 'let's'.

今日は外食しません。

I won't eat out today.

Negative form 'shimasen'.

外食が好きです。

I like eating out.

Using 'ga' with 'suki' to express preference.

忙しい時は、よく外食します。

When I'm busy, I often eat out.

Using 'toki' (when) to set the condition.

お金がないので、外食しません。

Because I don't have money, I don't eat out.

Using 'node' (because) to explain the reason.

美味しい店で外食したいです。

I want to eat out at a delicious restaurant.

Desire form 'shitai' (want to do).

父は外食があまり好きではありません。

My father doesn't like eating out very much.

Using 'amari... nai' for 'not very much'.

外食する前に、予約をしました。

Before eating out, I made a reservation.

Using 'mae ni' (before) with the dictionary form.

昨日は友達と外食して、楽しかったです。

Yesterday I ate out with my friend and it was fun.

Using the 'te-form' to connect two sentences.

外食するなら、どこがいいですか？

If we're going to eat out, where is good?

Using 'nara' (if it's the case that) for suggestions.

一週間に一回だけ外食します。

I eat out only once a week.

Using 'dake' (only) to specify the limit.

最近は外食する機会が減りました。

Lately, the opportunities to eat out have decreased.

Using 'kikai' (opportunity) as a noun modified by the verb.

外食するよりも、家で食べる方が安いです。

It's cheaper to eat at home than to eat out.

Comparative structure 'yori mo... hou ga'.

たまには外食して、気分転換をしましょう。

Let's eat out once in a while for a change of pace.

Using 'kibun tenkan' (change of pace) with the volitional form.

外食する時は、いつもカロリーを気にします。

When I eat out, I always worry about calories.

Using 'ki ni suru' (to worry/care about).

一人で外食するのは、少し勇気がいります。

Eating out alone takes a bit of courage.

Using 'no wa' to nominalize the verb phrase.

外食ばかりしていると、栄養が偏りますよ。

If you do nothing but eat out, your nutrition will be unbalanced.

Using 'bakari' (nothing but) and 'to' (if/when).

今日は疲れたので、外食することにしました。

Since I'm tired today, I decided to eat out.

Using 'koto ni suru' (to decide on).

外食する予定ですが、まだ店は決まっていません。

I plan to eat out, but the restaurant isn't decided yet.

Using 'yotei' (plan) with the dictionary form.

外食産業は、人手不足に悩まされています。

The dining-out industry is suffering from a labor shortage.

Passive form 'nayamasarete iru' (is being troubled).

健康志向の高まりにより、外食の内容も変化しています。

Due to rising health consciousness, the content of dining out is also changing.

Using 'ni yori' (due to) to show cause.

外食する頻度を減らすことで、節約に成功しました。

By reducing the frequency of eating out, I succeeded in saving money.

Using 'koto de' (by doing) to show means.

外食する際、アレルギー表示を確認することが重要です。

When dining out, it is important to check allergy labeling.

Using 'sai' (on the occasion of) which is more formal than 'toki'.

共働きの家庭が増え、外食の需要が高まっています。

The number of dual-income households is increasing, and the demand for dining out is rising.

Using the 'stem-form' (masu-stem) to connect clauses formally.

外食するのもいいが、たまには手料理も食べたい。

Eating out is fine, but I want to eat home-cooked food once in a while.

Contrastive use of 'no mo ii ga'.

高級な店で外食するのは、特別な日だけにしています。

I make it a rule to eat out at high-end restaurants only on special days.

Using 'ni shite iru' to show a habit or rule.

外食する文化は、都市部で特に発達しています。

The culture of dining out is particularly developed in urban areas.

Using 'toku ni' (particularly) to emphasize.

外食を控える傾向は、景気の後退を反映しています。

The tendency to refrain from eating out reflects the economic downturn.

Using 'hikaeru' (to refrain) and 'han'ei' (reflect).

外食における過剰な塩分摂取が問題視されています。

Excessive salt intake in dining out is being viewed as a problem.

Using 'ni okeru' (in/at) in a formal context.

外食産業のデジタルトランスフォーメーションが加速しています。

The digital transformation of the dining-out industry is accelerating.

Complex noun phrase with 'kasoku shite iru'.

外食する楽しみは、単に空腹を満たすことだけではありません。

The joy of eating out is not merely about satisfying hunger.

Using 'tan ni... dake de wa nai' (not merely...).

外食チェーン各社は、独自のサービスで差別化を図っています。

Various restaurant chains are attempting to differentiate themselves with unique services.

Using 'hakatte iru' (to aim for/attempt).

消費税率の変動が、消費者の外食行動に多大な影響を与えました。

Fluctuations in the consumption tax rate have had a significant impact on consumer dining-out behavior.

Using 'tadai na eikyou o ataeru' (to have a great impact).

外食を通じて、異文化への理解を深めることができます。

Through dining out, one can deepen their understanding of different cultures.

Using 'tsuujite' (through/via).

外食の在り方が、コロナ禍を経て劇的に変化しました。

The nature of dining out has changed dramatically after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Using 'gekiteki ni' (dramatically) and 'hete' (passing through).

外食産業の構造改革は、喫緊の課題として浮上しています。

Structural reform of the dining-out industry has emerged as an urgent issue.

Using academic terms like 'kouzou kaikaku' and 'kikkin no kadai'.

外食という行為が内包する社会的・文化的意義を再考すべきです。

We should reconsider the social and cultural significance inherent in the act of dining out.

Using 'naihou suru' (to involve/contain) and 'saikou subeki' (should reconsider).

外食市場の飽和状態は、新たなビジネスモデルの創出を促しています。

The saturation of the dining-out market is prompting the creation of new business models.

Using 'houwa joutai' (saturation) and 'unagashite iru' (prompting).

外食への支出が家計に占める割合は、ライフスタイルの指標となります。

The proportion of household expenditure spent on dining out serves as an indicator of lifestyle.

Using 'shimeru wariai' (the proportion occupied) and 'shihyou' (indicator).

外食を巡る法的規制の強化が、業界の透明性を高めています。

The strengthening of legal regulations surrounding dining out is increasing the industry's transparency.

Using 'meguru' (surrounding) and 'toumeisei' (transparency).

外食という贅沢が、現代人にとっての精神的な安らぎの一助となっています。

The luxury of dining out serves as a form of mental solace for modern people.

Using 'ichijo to natte iru' (serving as a help/part).

外食産業におけるサステナビリティの追求は、不可避な潮流です。

The pursuit of sustainability in the dining-out industry is an inevitable trend.

Using 'fukahi na chouryuu' (inevitable trend).

外食体験の質的向上が、顧客満足度の鍵を握っています。

The qualitative improvement of the dining-out experience holds the key to customer satisfaction.

Using 'shitsuteki koujou' (qualitative improvement) and 'kagi o nigiru' (to hold the key).

Common Collocations

よく外食する

外食を控える

外食を楽しむ

外食の機会

外食産業

一人で外食する

外食に頼る

外食費を削る

豪華に外食する

外食を許可する

Common Phrases

外食にする

— To decide on eating out. Used when making a choice between options.

今日は外食にしましょう。 (Let's decide to eat out today.)

外食三昧

— Indulging in eating out frequently. 'Zanmai' means to be immersed in something.

旅行中は外食三昧だった。 (During the trip, I did nothing but eat out.)

外食文化

— The culture of dining out in a particular society or region.

日本の外食文化は多様だ。 (Japan's dining-out culture is diverse.)

外食メニュー

— A menu specifically designed for dining out or at a restaurant.

外食メニューは塩分が多い。 (Restaurant menus are high in salt.)

外食向け

— Aimed at or intended for the dining-out market.

外食向けの食材を販売する。 (Sell ingredients intended for the dining-out industry.)

外食続き

— Eating out several days in a row.

外食続きで胃が疲れている。 (My stomach is tired from eating out so much lately.)

外食派

— A person who prefers eating out over cooking at home.

私は完全に外食派です。 (I am definitely a 'dining-out' person.)

外食券

— A dining voucher or meal ticket used at restaurants.

外食券をプレゼントでもらった。 (I received dining vouchers as a gift.)

外食制限

— Restrictions on dining out, often due to health or government policy.

医師から外食制限をされている。 (I am being restricted from eating out by my doctor.)

外食チェーン

— A restaurant chain with multiple locations.

有名な外食チェーン店に行く。 (Go to a famous restaurant chain.)

Often Confused With

外食する vs 会食 (Kaishoku)

Sounds similar but means a formal dinner party or banquet, often for business.

外食する vs 内食 (Naishoku)

The opposite; eating home-cooked meals. Often confused by beginners due to the 'shoku' ending.

外食する vs 中食 (Nakashoku)

Eating prepared food at home. It's the 'middle' option between home cooking and dining out.

Idioms & Expressions

"外食で腹を肥やす"

— To satisfy one's appetite (or greed) through dining out. Often implies luxury.

彼は外食で腹を肥やしている。 (He is indulging himself by eating out.)

Casual

"外食に花を添える"

— To add something extra (like good company or a view) to make the meal better.

素晴らしい景色が外食に花を添えた。 (The wonderful view added 'flowers' to the dining experience.)

Literary

"外食の味に慣れる"

— To get used to the taste of restaurant food, often implying losing a taste for home cooking.

外食の味に慣れると、自炊が面倒になる。 (Once you get used to restaurant food, home cooking becomes a chore.)

Neutral

"外食を食い繋ぐ"

— To survive or manage by eating out (often cheaply).

忙しい時期は外食で食い繋いだ。 (During the busy period, I managed by eating out.)

Colloquial

"外食のハシゴ"

— Going from one restaurant to another in a single night (bar-hopping but for food).

昨夜は外食のハシゴをした。 (Last night I hopped from restaurant to restaurant.)

Informal

"外食で羽を伸ばす"

— To relax and let loose while dining out away from home pressures.

週末は外食で羽を伸ばす。 (I stretch my wings by eating out on weekends.)

Common

"外食が板につく"

— To become very accustomed to or skilled at the lifestyle of dining out.

独身生活が長く、外食が板についてきた。 (Being single so long, the dining-out lifestyle has really suited me.)

Neutral

"外食に目がない"

— To be extremely fond of dining out (cannot resist it).

彼女は新しい店の外食に目がない。 (She has a huge weakness for eating out at new places.)

Casual

"外食で胃袋を掴む"

— Usually 'home cooking' grabs the stomach, but here it implies winning someone over with a great meal out.

彼は高級な外食で彼女の胃袋を掴んだ。 (He won her over with high-end dining out.)

Humorous

"外食の顔"

— The 'face' or public persona one puts on when dining out.

外食の時だけ、彼は紳士的だ。 (Only when eating out does he act like a gentleman.)

Casual

Easily Confused

外食する vs 食べる (Taberu)

Both involve eating.

Taberu is the general verb 'to eat.' Gaishoku suru is the specific act of eating at a restaurant.

りんごを食べる (Eat an apple). レストランで外食する (Eat out at a restaurant).

外食する vs 食事 (Shokuji)

Both refer to meals.

Shokuji is a noun meaning 'a meal.' Gaishoku is specifically a meal away from home.

食事が終わった (The meal finished). 外食が終わった (The dining out experience finished).

外食する vs 夕食 (Yuushoku)

Both end in 'shoku'.

Yuushoku specifically means 'dinner.' Gaishoku can be breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

夕食を作る (Make dinner). 昼休みに外食する (Eat out during lunch break).

外食する vs 外出 (Gaishutsu)

Both start with 'gai' (outside).

Gaishutsu means 'going out' for any reason (errands, walk). Gaishoku is specifically for eating.

買い物に外出する (Go out for shopping). 外食するために外出する (Go out to eat out).

外食する vs 自炊 (Jisui)

They are often discussed together.

Jisui is the direct opposite: cooking for yourself at home.

自炊は大変だが、外食は楽だ (Cooking for yourself is hard, but eating out is easy).

Sentence Patterns

[Time] + 外食します。

明日は外食します。

[Reason] + ので、外食します。

疲れたので、外食します。

外食する + [Noun]

外食する機会がありません。

外食する + ことで + [Result]

外食することでストレスを解消します。

外食における + [Noun]

外食におけるマナーが大切です。

外食を + [Advanced Verb]

外食を余儀なくされる。

外食 + ばかり + する

最近、外食ばかりしている。

どこかで + 外食する

どこかで外食しましょう。

Word Family

Nouns

外食 (Gaishoku) - Dining out / The act of eating out

外食産業 (Gaishoku sangyo) - The dining-out industry

外食費 (Gaishoku-hi) - Dining-out expenses

Verbs

外食する (Gaishoku suru) - To eat out

中食 (Nakashoku) - Takeout / Prepared food eaten at home

内食 (Naishoku) - Home cooking

自炊 (Jisui) - Cooking for oneself

飲食店 (Inshokuten) - Restaurant/Eatery

食べ歩き (Tabearuki) - Food tour/Eating while walking

How to Use It

frequency

Very High in both spoken and written Japanese.

Common Mistakes

Using 'gaishoku' for eating a lunchbox in the park. → Soto de bentou o taberu.
'Gaishoku' implies a commercial restaurant setting, not just being outdoors.
Saying 'gaishoku o taberu'. → Gaishoku suru / Gaishoku no ryouri o taberu.
You don't 'eat' the act of eating out. You 'do' it.
Confusing 'gaishoku' with 'kaishoku'. → Use 'gaishoku' for general dining out; 'kaishoku' for formal group dinners.
They sound similar but have different social contexts.
Using 'gaishoku suru' in a very casual invitation to a best friend. → Gohan tabe ni ikou!
It can sound slightly too formal or stiff in close-knit casual situations.
Forgetting the 'suru' when using it as a verb. → Kyo wa gaishoku shimasu.
'Gaishoku' alone is a noun. You must add 'suru' to make it an action.

Tips

Drop the 'O'

While 'gaishoku o suru' is correct, dropping the 'o' to say 'gaishoku suru' is much more common in natural speech.

Contrast with Nakashoku

Use 'nakashoku' for takeout to show you know the difference between dining in and eating prepared food at home.

Learn the Antonym

Always learn 'jisui' (self-cooking) alongside 'gaishoku' as they are the two main ways people talk about their eating habits.

Use Frequency Words

Pairs perfectly with 'yoku' (often), 'tama ni' (occasionally), and 'metta ni' (rarely).

Kanji Recognition

Focus on recognizing the 'outside' and 'eat' kanji. They appear in many other useful words like 'gaishutsu' and 'shokuji'.

Inviting Friends

When inviting friends, 'tabe ni ikou' is usually warmer and more natural than 'gaishoku shiyou'.

Sino-Japanese Nuance

Remember that kango (Sino-Japanese) words like this often sound more 'official' or 'categorical' than native Japanese words.

Context Matters

If you hear 'gaishoku' on the news, it's likely about the economy. If you hear it at home, it's about dinner plans.

Pitch Accent

Keep your voice steady. Japanese is not a stressed language like English, so avoid putting a heavy accent on any one syllable.

Compound Power

Learn 'gaishoku-hi' (dining costs) to help you talk about your monthly budget in Japanese.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'GUY' (Gai) who loves to 'SHOCK' (Shoku) his wallet by eating out too much.

Visual Association

Visualize the kanji 外 (outside) which looks like a person stepping out of a door, and 食 (eat) which looks like a person under a roof with a bowl.

Word Web

Restaurant Menu Chef Bill Gourmet Lunch Dinner Socializing

Challenge

Try to use 'gaishoku suru' in a sentence that also includes a reason (node/kara) and a frequency word (yoku/tokidoki).

Word Origin

Formed from the Middle Chinese-derived characters '外' (outside) and '食' (eat). It entered the Japanese language as a 'kango' (Sino-Japanese word).

Original meaning: The literal meaning has always been 'eating outside' the home environment, specifically referring to public eating houses.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing 'gaishoku' with people who take pride in 'jisui' (home cooking), as constant 'gaishoku' can sometimes be seen as a sign of a neglected home life.

In English, we say 'eat out,' which is very casual. 'Gaishoku' is a bit more categorical, similar to 'dining out.'

The 'Gaishoku Sangyo' reports published annually in Japan. Tabelog - Japan's most famous 'gaishoku' review site. Midnight Diner (Shinya Shokudo) - A famous manga/show about the 'gaishoku' experience.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family Weekend

どこで外食する？
たまには外食しよう
子供が外食したがっている
外食は高いね

Office Lunch

今日は外食ですか？
外食する時間がない
近くの店で外食する
外食ランチ

Dieting / Health

外食を控える
外食はカロリーが高い
健康的な外食
外食続きで太った

Budgeting

外食費を節約する
外食は贅沢だ
今月の外食代
外食を減らす

Socializing

友達と外食する
外食しながら話す
外食の約束
楽しく外食する

Conversation Starters

"週末はよく外食しますか？ (Do you often eat out on weekends?)"

"最近、どこか美味しい店で外食しましたか？ (Have you eaten out at any delicious places lately?)"

"自炊と外食、どちらが好きですか？ (Which do you like better, cooking for yourself or eating out?)"

"外食する時、どんな料理をよく選びますか？ (When you eat out, what kind of food do you often choose?)"

"一人で外食するのは好きですか？ (Do you like eating out alone?)"

Journal Prompts

今日外食した時のことを詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about a time you ate out today/recently.)

外食することのメリットとデメリットについて考えてみましょう。 (Think about the merits and demerits of eating out.)

あなたの国と日本の外食文化の違いは何ですか？ (What are the differences between your country's dining-out culture and Japan's?)

理想的な外食プランを立ててみてください。 (Try to make an ideal dining-out plan.)

一ヶ月間、外食を禁止したらどうなると思いますか？ (What do you think would happen if you were banned from eating out for a month?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, no. 'Gaishoku' implies a commercial service where you pay for prepared food at a business. For a picnic, use 'soto de taberu' or 'pikuniku o suru'.

Yes, 'gaishoku shimasu' is perfectly polite. However, if the meal is a formal business dinner, 'kaishoku' might be more appropriate.

'Tabe ni iku' is more casual and common in speech. 'Gaishoku' is slightly more formal and is often used to categorize the activity.

You can say 'Yoku gaishoku shimasu.' This is a very common and natural expression.

Yes, it is a noun. You can say 'Gaishoku wa takai' (Eating out is expensive).

Yes, it is very common. The term for this is 'hitori gaishoku'.

Yes, any meal eaten at a commercial establishment is considered 'gaishoku'.

It refers to the entire restaurant and food service industry in Japan.

Yes, it typically appears around the N3 or N2 level, but the kanji are N4/N5.

Simply change 'suru' to 'shita' (casual) or 'shimashita' (polite). Example: 'Gaishoku shimashita'.