B1 noun #2,000 most common 5 min read

出かけ

An outing is a short trip you take for pleasure.

dekake

Explanation at your level:

Hello! 出かけ (dekake) is a word that means a short trip for fun, like going to the park. It's like saying 'outing' in English. You can say 'Let's have a fun dekake!' when you want to go somewhere nice with friends or family. It's about leaving your house to do something enjoyable outside. Think of it as a little adventure!

出かけ (dekake) is a noun that means an 'outing' or a 'trip out'. It refers to a short journey taken for pleasure or a specific, usually enjoyable, purpose. For example, you might plan a dekake to the zoo or a museum. It's a common way to describe a brief excursion away from home. You can say things like, 'We had a lovely dekake last weekend.' It's a simple way to talk about going somewhere fun.

The noun 出かけ (dekake) signifies an 'outing' or a short excursion. It implies a departure from one's usual environment for recreation, a specific activity, or simply a change of scenery. Unlike a long holiday, a 'dekake' is typically a day trip or a shorter venture. You might discuss plans for a dekake with friends, such as visiting a new cafe or going for a hike. It's a useful term for describing planned or spontaneous trips taken for enjoyment.

出かけ (dekake) functions as a noun meaning 'outing' or 'excursion'. It denotes a journey undertaken for leisure, a specific purpose, or social engagement, characterized by its relatively short duration. The term often carries a positive connotation, suggesting an enjoyable or refreshing experience away from one's routine. For instance, one might refer to a 'cultural dekake' to a museum or an 'annual family dekake' to a theme park. It's important to note that while 'dekake' can be used, the verb form 'dekakeru' is more frequent in everyday conversation.

In Japanese, 出かけ (dekake) serves as a noun representing an 'outing' or 'excursion'. It specifically refers to a venture away from one's domicile or usual locale, typically for recreational, social, or specific purposeful activities, and distinguished by its limited temporal scope. The term often implies a degree of planning or intentionality, setting it apart from casual, unplanned departures. For example, a 'spring dekake' might involve a trip to view cherry blossoms, or a 'business dekake' could refer to a short, localized business trip. Its usage as a noun, while less common than the verb 'dekakeru', allows for a more precise nominalization of the act of going out.

The Japanese noun 出かけ (dekake) encapsulates the concept of an 'outing' or 'excursion', denoting a deliberate departure from one's habitual surroundings for purposes of leisure, social interaction, or a specific objective, typically within a circumscribed timeframe. It is a nominalized form derived from the verb 出かける (dekakeru). The nuance of 'dekake' often lies in its suggestion of an organized or anticipated event, distinguishing it from mere 'going out' (外出 - gaishutsu), which can be more general or even involuntary. Consider its use in describing a 'cultural pilgrimage dekake' or a 'nostalgic dekake' to a childhood haunt. Understanding 'dekake' requires appreciating the subtle distinctions between the verb and noun forms and their contextual implications within Japanese social practices and leisure activities.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Noun meaning a short trip for pleasure.
  • Often implies a day trip or brief excursion.
  • Commonly used for family, school, or friend activities.
  • More casual than 'excursion', more specific than 'trip'.

Hey there! Let's dive into the word 出かけ (dekake). While it's often used as a verb, when we talk about it as a noun, it means an outing or a trip out. Think of it as that exciting moment when you decide to leave your usual surroundings to go somewhere else for a bit of fun or a specific activity. It's not usually a long vacation, but more of a shorter, often spontaneous, excursion.

Imagine planning a day at the beach, visiting a museum, or even just going for a picnic in the park. All of these can be described as dekake. It captures the essence of stepping out and experiencing something new or enjoyable outside of your home or daily routine. The feeling associated with 'dekake' is often one of anticipation and enjoyment!

The word 出かけ (dekake) comes from the Japanese verb 出かける (dekakeru), which means 'to go out' or 'to set out'. The noun form, 'dekake', is derived directly from this verb, essentially nominalizing the action of going out. The kanji 出 (de) means 'to go out', 'to exit', or 'to appear', while 掛 (kake), in this context, relates to the idea of 'hanging' or 'setting out' on something. Together, they paint a picture of stepping out from a place.

Historically, the concept of 'going out' for leisure or specific purposes has always been a part of human culture. As societies developed and transportation became more accessible, the idea of a dedicated 'outing' gained more prominence. While 'dekake' itself is a modern Japanese term, the practice it describes is ancient. Think of historical picnics, market trips, or visits to temples – these were all forms of 'dekake' in their time. The evolution of the word reflects the increasing importance of leisure and recreational activities in daily life.

As a noun, 出かけ (dekake) is used to refer to the act or event of going out. It's quite versatile and can be used in various contexts, from casual plans with friends to more organized excursions. You'll often hear it used in phrases that describe the purpose or nature of the outing.

Common collocations include phrases like 楽しい出かけ (tanoshii dekake), meaning 'a fun outing', or 週末の出かけ (shuumatsu no dekake), referring to a 'weekend outing'. It can also be used with verbs like する (suru), meaning 'to have an outing', as in 出かけをする (dekake o suru). While it's not as common as the verb form 'dekakeru', understanding 'dekake' as a noun adds nuance to your Japanese vocabulary, allowing you to discuss plans and past events more precisely.

While 出かけ (dekake) itself is a straightforward noun, the verb form 出かける (dekakeru) is part of several common expressions that relate to going out. Let's explore some related ideas:

1. ちょっと出かける (Chotto dekakeru): This literally means 'to go out a little'. It's used for very short trips, like popping to the convenience store or meeting a friend briefly. Example: 「ちょっとコンビニまで出かける。」 (Chotto konbini made dekakeru.) - I'm just going out to the convenience store for a moment.

2. 外出する (Gaishutsu suru): This is a more formal way to say 'to go out' or 'to be out'. It's often used in official announcements or when discussing work-related travel. Example: 「明日は外出しておりますので、ご連絡は午後にお願いします。」 (Ashita wa gaishutsu shite orimasu node, gorenraku wa gogo ni onegaishimasu.) - I will be out of the office tomorrow, so please contact me in the afternoon.

3. 遊びに行く (Asobi ni iku): This means 'to go out to play' or 'to go hang out'. It's a very casual and common phrase for meeting friends or going somewhere for fun. Example: 「友達と映画に遊びに行く予定です。」 (Tomodachi to eiga ni asobi ni iku yotei desu.) - I plan to go out to see a movie with my friends.

4. 気晴らしに出かける (Kibara shi ni dekakeru): This means 'to go out for a change of pace' or 'to go out to clear one's head'. It implies going out to relieve stress or boredom. Example: 「気分転換に、海まで気晴らしに出かけた。」 (Kibun tenkan ni, umi made kibara shi ni dekaketa.) - For a change of pace, I went out to the sea to clear my head.

5. 家を出る (Ie o deru): Simply means 'to leave home'. It's the starting point of many outings. Example: 「朝早く家を出た。」 (Asa hayaku ie o deta.) - I left home early in the morning.

The noun 出かけ (dekake) is derived from the verb 出かける (dekakeru). As a noun, it's typically used in simple declarative sentences or as part of compound phrases. It doesn't have plural forms in the way English nouns do; the context usually clarifies whether one or multiple outings are being discussed.

Pronunciation: The word is pronounced 'deh-kah-keh'. The stress is relatively even across the syllables, with a slight emphasis on the first syllable.
IPA (Japanese): /de̞ka̠ke̞<0xE3><0x81><0x87><0xE3><0x81><0x87>/
Rhyming words: While direct rhymes in English are scarce, in Japanese, words ending in '-ake' might share similar vowel sounds, such as 明け (ake) - dawn, or 岳 (take) - peak. However, the consonant sounds are distinct.

Common Patterns:
〜の出かけ (〜no dekake): e.g., 週末の出かけ (shuumatsu no dekake) - weekend outing.
出かけをする (dekake o suru): e.g., 楽しい出かけをする (tanoshii dekake o suru) - to have a fun outing.
〜へ出かける (〜e dekakeru): This is the verb form, but it shows the direction of the outing. e.g., 公園へ出かける (kouen e dekakeru) - to go out to the park.

Fun Fact

The word 'outing' became popular in the 19th century, coinciding with the rise of leisure activities and the middle class having more time and resources for recreational trips.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈaʊtɪŋ/

Sounds like 'OWT-ing', with the stress on the first syllable.

US /ˈaʊtɪŋ/

Identical to British pronunciation, sounds like 'OWT-ing', stress on the first syllable.

Common Errors

  • Pronouncing the 't' sound too strongly, making it sound like 'ow-Ting'. It should be a softer 't'.
  • Putting stress on the second syllable ('out-ING') instead of the first ('OUT-ing').
  • Not clearly distinguishing the 'ow' sound, making it sound closer to 'oht-ing'.

Rhymes With

Shouting Pouting Sprouting Routing Flouting

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to read in most contexts.

Writing 2/5

Straightforward to use in sentences.

Speaking 2/5

Commonly used in spoken English.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable when heard.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

go trip fun place day weekend

Learn Next

excursion jaunt spontaneous leisure recreation

Advanced

sojourn expedition pilgrimage itinerary

Grammar to Know

Countable vs. Uncountable Nouns

'Outing' is countable (an outing, two outings), unlike uncountable nouns like 'information'.

Using Articles (a/an/the)

Use 'an outing' for a general outing, 'the outing' for a specific one.

Verb + Preposition Combinations

Common verbs used with 'outing' include 'go on', 'plan', 'have'.

Examples by Level

1

Let's go on an outing!

Let's / go on / an outing

'Let's' is used to suggest an action.

2

My outing was fun.

My / outing / was / fun

'Was' is the past tense of 'is'.

3

We had a nice outing.

We / had / a nice / outing

'Had' is the past tense of 'have'.

4

It was a short outing.

It / was / a short / outing

'Short' describes something brief.

5

I like outings.

I / like / outings

The plural 'outings' means more than one.

6

The outing was to the zoo.

The / outing / was / to the / zoo

'To the' shows direction.

7

We planned an outing.

We / planned / an / outing

'Planned' means decided beforehand.

8

What a great outing!

What / a great / outing!

'Great' means very good.

1

We are planning a family outing for the weekend.

We / are planning / a family / outing / for the / weekend.

Present continuous ('are planning') used for future arrangements.

2

The museum outing was very educational.

The / museum / outing / was / very / educational.

'Educational' means it teaches you something.

3

I enjoyed our outing to the countryside.

I / enjoyed / our / outing / to the / countryside.

'Enjoyed' is the past tense of 'enjoy'.

4

Let's organize a small outing for the team.

Let's / organize / a small / outing / for the / team.

'Organize' means to arrange or plan.

5

The weather is perfect for an outing today.

The / weather / is / perfect / for an / outing / today.

'Perfect' means ideal or excellent.

6

After the outing, we felt refreshed.

After / the / outing, / we / felt / refreshed.

'Refreshed' means feeling rested and revitalized.

7

It was a spontaneous outing, we just decided to go.

It / was / a spontaneous / outing, / we / just / decided / to go.

'Spontaneous' means done without prior planning.

8

We packed a picnic basket for our outing.

We / packed / a picnic / basket / for our / outing.

'Packed' means put items into something.

1

We decided to make the most of the sunny weather with an impromptu outing.

We / decided / to make the most of / the sunny / weather / with an / impromptu / outing.

'Impromptu' means done without being planned in advance.

2

The annual company outing is a great opportunity for team building.

The / annual / company / outing / is a / great / opportunity / for / team building.

'Annual' means happening once every year.

3

She looked forward to the quiet outing in the mountains to escape the city noise.

She / looked forward to / the quiet / outing / in the / mountains / to escape / the city / noise.

'Looked forward to' expresses anticipation.

4

Planning an outing requires considering everyone's preferences.

Planning / an outing / requires / considering / everyone's / preferences.

'Preferences' are things that people like more than others.

5

The children were thrilled about their upcoming outing to the amusement park.

The / children / were / thrilled / about / their / upcoming / outing / to the / amusement park.

'Thrilled' means very excited and happy.

6

He described the outing as a 'respite from the daily grind'.

He / described / the outing / as a / 'respite / from the / daily grind'.

'Respite' means a short period of rest or relief from something difficult.

7

They organized a fundraising outing, combining a charity walk with a community picnic.

They / organized / a fundraising / outing, / combining / a charity / walk / with a / community / picnic.

'Fundraising' means collecting money for a cause.

8

The success of the outing depended heavily on favorable weather conditions.

The / success / of the / outing / depended / heavily on / favorable / weather / conditions.

'Favorable' means good or advantageous.

1

The historical society arranged a guided outing to explore the town's ancient landmarks.

The / historical society / arranged / a guided / outing / to explore / the town's / ancient / landmarks.

'Landmarks' are notable features of a place.

2

He reminisced about his childhood outings, recalling the simple joys of those days.

He / reminisced about / his childhood / outings, / recalling / the simple / joys / of those / days.

'Reminisced' means to recall past experiences with pleasure.

3

The itinerary for the corporate outing included a team-building workshop followed by a formal dinner.

The / itinerary / for the / corporate / outing / included / a team-building / workshop / followed by / a formal / dinner.

'Itinerary' is a planned route or journey.

4

Despite the initial logistical challenges, the volunteer outing was deemed a resounding success.

Despite / the initial / logistical / challenges, / the volunteer / outing / was deemed / a resounding / success.

'Logistical' relates to the detailed planning and organization of something.

5

She found solace during her solitary outing to the botanical gardens, away from the urban bustle.

She / found / solace / during / her solitary / outing / to the / botanical gardens, / away from / the urban / bustle.

'Solace' is comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness.

6

The documentary captured the essence of their adventurous outing across the remote wilderness.

The / documentary / captured / the essence / of their / adventurous / outing / across the / remote / wilderness.

'Wilderness' refers to an uncultivated, uninhabited, and inhospitable region.

7

Organizing a large-scale outing requires meticulous attention to detail and contingency planning.

Organizing / a large-scale / outing / requires / meticulous / attention to detail / and / contingency / planning.

'Meticulous' means showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.

8

The professor often led his students on field outingsto observe ecological phenomena firsthand.

The / professor / often / led / his students / on field / outings / to observe / ecological / phenomena / firsthand.

'Phenomena' are observable facts or events.

1

The artist sought inspiration for her new collection during a contemplative outing to the coastal cliffs.

The / artist / sought / inspiration / for her / new collection / during / a contemplative / outing / to the / coastal cliffs.

'Contemplative' means involving prolonged thought.

2

His nostalgic recollection of family outings painted a vivid picture of idyllic childhood summers.

His / nostalgic / recollection / of family / outings / painted / a vivid / picture / of idyllic / childhood / summers.

'Idyllic' describes something extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque.

3

The philanthropic foundation sponsored an educational outing for underprivileged youth, aiming to broaden their horizons.

The / philanthropic / foundation / sponsored / an educational / outing / for underprivileged / youth, / aiming / to broaden / their horizons.

'Philanthropic' means seeking to promote the welfare of others.

4

The meticulously planned archaeological outing promised a deep dive into the region's ancient past.

The / meticulously / planned / archaeological / outing / promised / a deep dive / into the / region's / ancient / past.

'Archaeological' relates to the study of human history and prehistory through excavation.

5

She found the solitude of her solo outing a necessary balm for her overstimulated senses.

She / found / the solitude / of her / solo / outing / a necessary / balm / for her / overstimulated / senses.

'Balm' here is used metaphorically for something that soothes or comforts.

6

The expedition's success hinged on the team's ability to adapt their outing strategy to unforeseen environmental conditions.

The / expedition's / success / hinged on / the team's / ability / to adapt / their / outing / strategy / to unforeseen / environmental / conditions.

'Hinged on' means depended crucially on.

7

The cultural exchange program culminated in a celebratory outing, fostering camaraderie among participants.

The / cultural exchange / program / culminated / in a / celebratory / outing, / fostering / camaraderie / among / participants.

'Culminated' means reached a climax or point of highest development.

8

His critique of the current tourism model highlighted the potential negative impacts of excessive commercialized outings.

His / critique / of the / current / tourism / model / highlighted / the potential / negative / impacts / of excessive / commercialized / outings.

'Commercialized' means organized or exploiting for profit.

1

The ethnographer documented the community's ritualistic outing to the sacred grove, analyzing its socio-cultural significance.

The / ethnographer / documented / the community's / ritualistic / outing / to the / sacred / grove, / analyzing / its socio-cultural / significance.

'Ethnographer' is a person who studies and describes the culture of a particular society.

2

Her seminal work explored the evolution of the 'grand tour' as a formative outing for European aristocracy.

Her / seminal / work / explored / the evolution / of the / 'grand tour' / as a / formative / outing / for European / aristocracy.

'Seminal' means strongly influencing later developments; original and creative.

3

The ecological impact assessment cautioned against large-scale outings that could disrupt the fragile ecosystem of the marine reserve.

The / ecological impact / assessment / cautioned / against / large-scale / outings / that could / disrupt / the fragile / ecosystem / of the / marine reserve.

'Fragile' means easily broken or damaged.

4

He viewed the prolonged sabbatical not merely as a break, but as a profound personal outing into self-discovery.

He / viewed / the prolonged / sabbatical / not merely / as a / break, / but as / a profound / personal / outing / into / self-discovery.

'Profound' means very great or intense.

5

The historical society's annual pilgrimage outing to the ancestral homeland aimed to reconnect younger generations with their heritage.

The / historical society's / annual / pilgrimage / outing / to the / ancestral / homeland / aimed / to reconnect / younger / generations / with their / heritage.

'Pilgrimage' is a journey to a place regarded as sacred.

6

The novel's denouement involved a cathartic outing to the place where the protagonist's trauma originated.

The / novel's / denouement / involved / a cathartic / outing / to the / place / where the / protagonist's / trauma / originated.

'Denouement' is the conclusion or resolution of a story.

7

The geopolitical implications of the diplomatic outing were debated extensively in the international press.

The / geopolitical / implications / of the / diplomatic / outing / were debated / extensively / in the / international / press.

'Geopolitical' relates to politics, especially international relations, as influenced by geographical factors.

8

She curated a thematic outing focused on the Impressionist movement, tracing its influence through various Parisian locales.

She / curated / a thematic / outing / focused on / the Impressionist / movement, / tracing / its influence / through / various / Parisian / locales.

'Curated' means selected, organized, and presented.

Common Collocations

fun outing
family outing
weekend outing
company outing
school outing
impromptu outing
plan an outing
enjoy an outing
go on an outing
successful outing

Idioms & Expressions

"Day out"

An outing or excursion, typically for pleasure.

We had a lovely day out at the seaside.

neutral

"Get out and about"

To leave home and go to different places, especially for enjoyment or social reasons.

After being ill for weeks, she was finally able to get out and about again.

neutral

"On the town"

Going out for a lively and enjoyable time, usually in the evening.

They decided to go on the town to celebrate their anniversary.

casual

"Blow the cobwebs away"

To go out and do something active to feel more awake and refreshed.

Let's go for a brisk walk in the park to blow the cobwebs away.

informal

"Paint the town red"

To go out and enjoy oneself flamboyantly, typically involving drinking and dancing.

After their exams, the students decided to paint the town red.

informal

"A breath of fresh air"

Something new and different that is refreshing and invigorating.

Her innovative ideas were a breath of fresh air for the company.

neutral

Easily Confused

出かけ vs Trip

Both refer to going somewhere.

'Outing' usually implies a shorter, often recreational journey, typically a day trip. 'Trip' is more general and can be short or long, for any purpose.

We went on a short <strong>outing</strong> to the park. We are planning a two-week <strong>trip</strong> to Europe.

出かけ vs Journey

Both involve travel.

'Journey' often emphasizes the travel itself, especially if it's long, difficult, or significant. 'Outing' focuses on the destination and the activity.

The long <strong>journey</strong> was tiring, but the <strong>outing</strong> to the festival was worth it.

出かけ vs Excursion

Both can mean a short trip for pleasure.

'Excursion' often sounds more formal or organized than 'outing'. It can also imply a specific purpose, like a guided tour.

The school organized a museum <strong>outing</strong>. The cruise ship offered a shore <strong>excursion</strong> to the local market.

出かけ vs Going out

Related actions.

'Going out' is the general verb phrase for leaving home. 'Outing' is the noun referring to the specific event or trip that results from going out.

I am <strong>going out</strong> tonight. We had a lovely <strong>outing</strong> yesterday.

Sentence Patterns

A1-C2

Subject + have/had + an outing

We had a wonderful outing to the beach.

A1-C2

Subject + plan/planned + an outing

They are planning an outing for next Saturday.

A1-C2

Subject + go on + an outing

Let's go on an outing this weekend.

A1-C2

A/An + [adjective] + outing

It was a fun and relaxing outing.

A2-C2

The + outing + was + [adjective/noun phrase]

The company outing was a great success.

Word Family

Nouns

Outing A short trip or excursion, especially for pleasure.

Verbs

Go out To leave one's home to go somewhere, especially for social or recreational purposes.

Adjectives

Out Not at home or in the usual place.

Related

Exit Related in meaning (going out).
Departure Related to the act of leaving.

How to Use It

Formality Scale

Slang Casual Neutral Formal Very Formal

Common Mistakes

Using 'outing' for long trips. Use 'trip', 'journey', or 'vacation' for longer travel.
'Outing' specifically implies a short trip, usually for leisure.
Confusing 'outing' with 'going out'. 'Going out' is the general action; 'outing' is the specific event or trip.
You 'go out' to have an 'outing'.
Incorrect verb with 'outing'. Use verbs like 'have', 'plan', 'enjoy', 'go on'.
Avoid verbs like 'make an outing' (uncommon) or 'do an outing'.
Overuse of 'outing' in formal contexts. In formal writing or speech, prefer 'excursion', 'trip', or 'event'.
'Outing' can sound slightly informal or childish in very serious contexts.
Using 'outing' for necessary trips (e.g., doctor). Use 'appointment' or 'visit' for necessary trips.
'Outing' strongly suggests a leisure or pleasure activity.

Tips

💡

Memory Palace Trick

Visualize yourself stepping 'OUT' of your house and 'ING' (entering) a fun place like a park or beach for your outing.

💡

When Native Speakers Use It

Native speakers often use 'outing' for planned family trips, school excursions, or casual get-togethers with friends at a specific location like a park or a fair.

🌍

Cultural Insight

In many cultures, shared outings are important for strengthening social bonds, whether it's a family picnic or a corporate team-building event.

💡

Grammar Shortcut

Remember 'outing' is countable. Use 'an outing' for one, and 'outings' for more than one. Pair it with verbs like 'plan', 'have', 'enjoy'.

💡

Say It Right

Focus on the initial 'OW' sound (like in 'out') and keep the stress firmly on the first syllable: OUT-ing.

💡

Don't Make This Mistake

Avoid using 'outing' for long holidays or necessary appointments like doctor visits. Stick to 'trip', 'vacation', or 'appointment' respectively.

💡

Did You Know?

The popularity of 'outing' grew significantly in the Victorian era, as industrialization led to more leisure time for the middle classes.

💡

Study Smart

Create flashcards with different types of outings (e.g., 'family outing', 'school outing') and practice using them in sentences.

💡

Synonym Spotlight

When 'outing' feels too casual, consider 'excursion' for a more formal or planned trip, or 'jaunt' for a short, leisurely one.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'OUT-ing' - you are going 'OUT' for a fun time!

Visual Association

Imagine a door opening outwards, with happy people stepping through it towards a sunny park.

Word Web

Leisure Recreation Trip Excursion Fun Activity Socializing Adventure

Challenge

Describe your ideal <strong>outing</strong> in three sentences.

Word Origin

English

Original meaning: The word 'outing' comes from the Old English word 'ūt' meaning 'out'. The '-ing' suffix turns the concept of 'going out' into a noun.

Cultural Context

Generally, 'outing' is a neutral term. However, context matters. A 'company outing' might have different expectations than a 'family outing'. Ensure the type of outing aligns with the social context.

In English-speaking cultures, outings are a common part of social life, from family picnics and school trips to company retreats and friends meeting up. They are often seen as important for bonding, relaxation, and creating memories.

The 'school trip' or 'field trip' is a staple of childhood in many English-speaking countries. Company outings are frequently depicted in workplace comedies. Family outings are a common theme in sitcoms and family dramas.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family gatherings

  • Let's plan a family outing!
  • The family outing was so much fun.
  • We enjoyed our outing to the zoo.

School activities

  • The school outing to the science museum was educational.
  • Students look forward to the annual school outing.
  • We need permission for the class outing.

Social events with friends

  • What a great outing with you guys!
  • Let's organize an outing soon.
  • It was an impromptu outing, but we had a blast.

Workplace (informal)

  • The company outing is scheduled for Friday.
  • It was a nice company outing this year.
  • We had a team outing after the project finished.

Conversation Starters

"What was the best outing you've ever been on?"

"If you could plan any kind of outing right now, what would it be?"

"Do you prefer planned outings or spontaneous ones?"

"What's something essential to pack for a perfect day outing?"

"Tell me about a memorable school outing you had."

Journal Prompts

Describe your ideal outing and why.

Write about a time an outing didn't go as planned. What happened?

Reflect on the importance of outings for mental well-being.

Imagine planning a surprise outing for a loved one. Where would you go and why?

Frequently Asked Questions

8 questions

An 'outing' is generally shorter and more focused on leisure or a specific activity, often a day trip. A 'trip' is a more general term and can be longer or shorter, for various purposes.

It's less common. While a short business excursion might technically be an 'outing', terms like 'business trip', 'visit', or 'meeting' are more standard and professional.

'Outing' is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. It's widely understood but might be replaced by 'excursion' or 'event' in very formal settings.

Common examples include family outings, school outings, company outings, picnics, trips to the park, museum visits, and short excursions.

Yes, 'outing' is a countable noun, so you can have one outing, two outings, etc. (e.g., 'We had several enjoyable outings last summer.')

It means an outing that was decided upon suddenly, without prior planning.

Yes, 'outing' is used in both American and British English with the same general meaning.

The opposite would be staying at home, or perhaps a 'staycation' (a vacation spent at home or nearby). The concept is about leaving your usual environment.

Test Yourself

fill blank A1

We are going on a picnic ____.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: outing

An 'outing' is a trip, and a picnic is a type of trip.

multiple choice A2

Which word means a short trip for fun?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: Outing

'Outing' specifically refers to a short trip for pleasure.

true false B1

An 'outing' is usually a long, multi-day vacation.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

An outing is typically short, often a day trip or a few hours.

match pairs B1

Word

Meaning

All matched!

These phrases specify who is involved in the outing.

sentence order B2

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

The correct sentence is 'We had an exciting outing planned.'

fill blank B2

The museum visit was a very ______ outing for the students.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: educational

'Educational' fits the context of a museum visit.

multiple choice C1

Which phrase best describes an 'impromptu outing'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: A spontaneous decision to go somewhere

'Impromptu' means unplanned or spontaneous.

true false C1

The term 'outing' is exclusively used for recreational activities.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

While often recreational, 'outing' can sometimes refer to short, purposeful trips, though less commonly than leisure trips.

fill blank C2

The ethnographer documented the community's ritualistic ______ to the sacred grove.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: outing

In this specific context, 'outing' is used to describe a ritualistic trip away from the usual place.

multiple choice C2

Which of the following best captures the nuance of 'outing' in a formal, historical context?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: A planned excursion with specific objectives

In formal or historical contexts, 'outing' often implies a more structured or purposeful excursion rather than just casual fun.

Score: /10

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!