This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Japanese
Vocabulary
出かけます

A2 verb #1,500 most common 9 min read

出かけます

dekakemasu Top 1,500

At the A1 level, 'dekakemasu' is introduced as a basic verb for daily routines. Learners focus on the simple present and past forms to describe their day. You learn that it means 'to go out' and is often used with 'kaimono' (shopping) or 'sanpo' (a walk). The primary goal is to distinguish it from 'ikimasu' (to go). At this stage, you use it in very simple sentences like 'I go out at 8:00' or 'I went out yesterday.' You also learn the essential greeting 'Ittekimasu,' which is linked to the concept of 'dekakemasu.' The focus is on the 'masu' form and basic particles like 'ni' for purpose. You might not yet understand the complex nuances of 'uchi' and 'soto,' but you recognize that this verb is what you say when you leave your house. It's about building the foundation of movement verbs in Japanese.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'dekakemasu' in more varied contexts. You learn to express purpose more clearly using the 'stem + ni + dekakemasu' or 'noun + ni + dekakemasu' patterns. You also start using the 'te-form' to combine it with other verbs, such as 'dekakete, kaimono o shimasu' (I go out and do shopping). You become aware of the 'dekakete imasu' form to describe someone who is currently out. This is useful for basic office conversations or explaining where a family member is. You also learn the potential form 'dekakeraremasu' (can go out) and the negative 'dekakenai' (don't go out). The focus shifts from just 'leaving' to the 'activity' associated with going out. You might also encounter the honorific 'o-dekake' in polite greetings from neighbors or shopkeepers.

At the B1 level, you use 'dekakemasu' to discuss more complex plans and intentions. You might use it with grammar points like '~to omoimasu' (I think I will go out) or '~yotei desu' (I plan to go out). You start to understand the social nuances—when to use 'dekakemasu' versus 'gaishutsu suru' in a professional setting. You can describe conditions for going out, such as 'Ame ga futtara, dekakemasen' (If it rains, I won't go out). You also begin to use the verb in relative clauses, like 'Dekakeru toki ni, kagi o wasuremashita' (When I went out, I forgot my keys). Your vocabulary expands to include related terms like 'o-dekake biyori' (perfect weather for going out). You are now comfortable using the verb in both polite and casual forms depending on the listener.

At the B2 level, you master the subtle differences between 'dekakemasu' and its synonyms. You can use it in more sophisticated sentence structures, such as 'dekakeru ni wa mada haya sugiru' (it's still too early to go out). You understand the use of 'dekakeru' in literature and news to describe social trends. You can handle honorific and humble forms fluently, using 'o-dekake ni naru' or 'gaishutsu itasu' appropriately. You also start to recognize idiomatic uses and how the verb reflects Japanese cultural values regarding privacy and public presence. You can discuss abstract concepts, like the psychological barriers to 'dekakeru' for someone with social anxiety. Your usage is no longer just about physical movement but about the social implications of being 'out' in the world.

At the C1 level, 'dekakemasu' is used with high precision and stylistic flair. You can use it to convey specific tones, such as irony or emphasis. You understand the historical development of the word and its kanji components (出 - exit, 掛 - hang/set out). You can use it in complex conditional and causative-passive structures. For example, 'Isogashikute, dekakerasete moraenai' (I'm so busy I'm not allowed to go out). You are sensitive to the register of the word, knowing exactly when 'dekakeru' sounds too casual and when 'gaishutsu' is required for professional gravitas. You can also interpret the word in classical or older literature where its usage might slightly differ from modern Japanese. Your command of the verb allows you to use it as a tool for nuanced storytelling and professional reporting.

At the C2 level, your understanding of 'dekakemasu' is indistinguishable from a native speaker's. You can use the verb to discuss philosophical or sociological aspects of 'going out' in Japanese society. You are familiar with rare or archaic variations of the verb and can use it in highly specialized contexts, such as legal documents or high-level academic discourse on urban mobility. You can play with the word's nuances in creative writing, using it to symbolize freedom, duty, or transition. You understand the deepest cultural connotations, including how the concept of 'o-dekake' has changed through different eras of Japanese history. Your mastery includes the ability to use the verb in any grammatical configuration without hesitation, perfectly matching the tone and intent of any communication.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

出かけます in 30 Seconds

出かけます (dekakemasu) means 'to go out' or 'to depart' from a home base for a specific purpose or duration.
It is a Group 2 verb, conjugated by removing 'masu' and adding other endings like 'te' or 'nai'.
Commonly used with the particle 'ni' to indicate the purpose of the outing, such as shopping or a walk.
Differs from 'ikimasu' (go) by focusing on the departure, and 'demasu' (exit) by implying a social outing.

The Japanese verb 出かけます (dekakemasu) is a cornerstone of daily communication, primarily translated as 'to go out' or 'to depart.' At its core, it describes the specific action of leaving one's current location—usually a home, office, or home base—with the intention of going somewhere else for a period of time. Unlike the general verb 'to go' (いきます - ikimasu), which focuses on the destination, dekakemasu emphasizes the act of leaving the starting point and the transition from being 'in' to being 'out' in the world. It carries a nuance of purpose; you don't just 'exit' (demasu), you 'go out' to engage with the environment, whether for work, errands, or leisure.

Core Concept: The intentional act of leaving a private or fixed space to enter the public sphere.

今から友達と出かけます。 (I am going out with my friend now.)

In the Japanese cultural context, the distinction between 'inside' (uchi) and 'outside' (soto) is vital. 出かけます marks the boundary crossing. When you use this verb, you are signaling that you are no longer available at your current location. This is why it is so frequently paired with the departing greeting 'Ittekimasu' (I'm going and coming back). It implies a temporary absence with a planned return. In a professional setting, saying someone has 'dekakete imasu' (is out) suggests they are performing duties away from their desk, perhaps visiting a client or running a business-related errand.

Grammatical Type: Group 2 (Ichidan) Verb. The dictionary form is 出かける (dekakeru).

週末は家族で出かけますか？ (Do you go out with your family on weekends?)

Furthermore, the verb is often used to describe one's lifestyle. A person who 'yoku dekakemasu' is an active, social person who doesn't stay home much. It contrasts with 'hikikomoru' (to stay inside/withdraw). Understanding this verb requires recognizing that it encompasses the entire process of preparing to leave, stepping out the door, and beginning the journey. It is a verb of motion that sets the stage for the day's activities.

Nuance Comparison: Compared to 'deru' (to exit), 'dekakeru' implies a longer duration and a specific destination or purpose in the outside world.

ちょっとコンビニまで出かけてきます。 (I'm just going out to the convenience store.)

雨が降っているので、出かけたくないです。 (Since it's raining, I don't want to go out.)

父は仕事で出かけています。 (My father is out on business.)

Using 出かけます (dekakemasu) correctly involves understanding its conjugation as a Group 2 verb and the particles that typically accompany it. Because it is an 'Ichidan' verb, the stem is simply 'dekake-'. To form the polite present, you add '-masu'. To form the negative, you add '-masen'. For the past tense, use '-mashita'. This regularity makes it one of the easier verbs for beginners to master once they identify its group.

Common Particles: Use 'ni' for the purpose of going out (e.g., kaimono ni) and 'e' or 'ni' for the destination.

買い物に出かけます。 (I am going out for shopping.)

One of the most important structures is the 'purpose + ni + dekakemasu' pattern. You take a noun that represents an activity (like 'kaimono' for shopping or 'sanpo' for a walk) and follow it with 'ni'. Alternatively, you can use the stem of another verb. For example, 'asobi ni dekakemasu' (going out to play/hang out). This clearly communicates the 'why' behind your departure, which is a common expectation in Japanese social harmony.

The 'Te-form' Usage: 'Dekakete-kimasu' is a very common compound meaning 'I'll go out and come back.'

８時に家を出かけます。 (I leave home at 8 o'clock.)

In terms of time, you use the particle 'ni' for specific times (e.g., 9-ji ni dekakemasu). If you are leaving 'from' a place, you use 'o' or 'kara'. 'Ie o dekakemasu' implies leaving the house. Interestingly, 'dekakemasu' is rarely used in the imperative form (Dekakero!) because it sounds quite harsh; instead, 'dekakemashou' (let's go out) or 'dekakenai?' (won't you go out?) are used to suggest outings.

Negative Form: 'Dekakemasen' is used to decline invitations or state that you are staying in.

今日はどこにも出かけません。 (I'm not going out anywhere today.)

明日、一緒に出かけませんか？ (Would you like to go out together tomorrow?)

急いで出かけなければなりません。 (I have to go out in a hurry.)

You will encounter 出かけます (dekakemasu) in a wide variety of social settings, from the most casual family breakfast table to formal office environments. In a household, it's the standard way to announce your plans for the day. A mother might ask her child, 'Kyou wa doko ni dekakeru no?' (Where are you going out today?). It is the verbal signal that starts the daily rhythm of life in Japan. It is also the verb behind the ubiquitous 'Ittekimasu,' which literally means 'I will go (out) and come back.'

In the Office: Used to explain a colleague's absence: 'Tanaka-san wa ima dekakete imasu.'

部長は会議のために出かけられました。 (The manager has gone out for a meeting.)

In public spaces, you might hear it in announcements or see it on signs. For instance, a shop might have a sign saying 'Tadaima dekakete orimasu' (Currently out) if the owner has stepped away for a moment. In news reports, it's used to describe people heading out to enjoy seasonal events, like 'Many people went out to see the cherry blossoms' (Oozei no hito ga hanami ni dekakemashita). It is a 'social' verb that connects the individual to the public sphere.

Social Media: Commonly used in captions like 'O-dekake photo' (Outing photo) or 'Kyou no o-dekake' (Today's outing).

天気がいいから、どこかへ出かけましょう！ (The weather is nice, so let's go out somewhere!)

In literature and polite conversation, the honorific version 'o-dekake ni narimasu' is used to refer to someone of higher status going out. This shows how deeply the verb is embedded in the Japanese hierarchy and etiquette system. Whether it's a casual 'Dekakeru?' between friends or a formal report in a business setting, the verb serves as a vital marker of physical movement and social presence.

Travel & Leisure: Travel guides often use 'O-dekake spot' to recommend places to visit.

お出かけですか？ (Are you going out? - A common neighborly greeting.)

夜遅くに一人で出かけるのは危ないです。 (It is dangerous to go out alone late at night.)

夏休みに海外へ出かけました。 (I went abroad during summer vacation.)

One of the most frequent errors for learners is confusing 出かけます (dekakemasu) with 出ます (demasu). While both involve 'leaving' or 'going out,' demasu is a more general verb for exiting a physical space (like leaving a room or a train). Dekakemasu specifically implies leaving your home or base for a certain duration of time with a purpose. You wouldn't say 'Toire ni dekakemasu' (I'm going out to the toilet) unless the toilet was in a different building and you were planning a trip there!

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Demasu': Incorrect: 部屋を出かけます (Heya o dekakemasu). Correct: 部屋を出ます (Heya o demasu).

× 教室を出かけます。 → ○ 教室を出ます。

Another common mistake is using dekakemasu when you simply mean 'to go' (ikimasu). If you are already on the move and someone asks where you are going, you should use 'ikimasu.' Dekakemasu is primarily used at the point of departure or when discussing the plan to depart. For example, if you are at the station, you say 'Gakkou ni ikimasu,' not 'Gakkou ni dekakemasu,' because you have already 'gone out' from your home.

Mistake 2: Particle Errors: Learners often forget the 'ni' when stating a purpose. Incorrect: 買い物出かけます. Correct: 買い物に出かけます.

× 散歩出かけます。 → ○ 散歩に出かけます。

Finally, watch out for the tense. If you are currently outside, you must use 'dekakete imasu.' If you say 'dekakemasu,' it sounds like you are about to leave right now. In a business context, if a client calls and you say 'Tanaka wa dekakemasu,' it sounds like Tanaka is about to leave, which might be confusing if he's already been gone for two hours. In that case, 'dekakete orimasu' (humble) or 'dekakete imasu' is necessary.

Mistake 3: Overusing for Small Movements: Don't use it for moving between rooms or just stepping into the garden for a second.

× 庭に出かけます。 → ○ 庭に出ます。

× どこに行きますか？ (When asking someone who is just leaving home, 'dekakeru' is more natural.)

× 仕事に出かけます。 (While grammatically okay, 'shigoto ni ikimasu' is more common for daily commuting.)

Japanese has several verbs that describe movement and leaving, and distinguishing between them will greatly improve your fluency. The most common 'competitor' to 出かけます (dekakemasu) is 行きます (ikimasu). While both involve going somewhere, ikimasu is destination-oriented. If you focus on the 'where,' use ikimasu. If you focus on the 'leaving home' aspect, use dekakemasu. Another similar word is 外出する (gaishutsu suru), which is the formal, Sino-Japanese version of the same concept.

Dekakemasu vs. Gaishutsu suru: 'Dekakemasu' is for daily life and conversation; 'Gaishutsu suru' is for formal reports, business documents, or news.

本日は外出を控えてください。 (Please refrain from going out today - Formal announcement.)

Then there is 出ます (demasu), which we discussed in the 'Common Mistakes' section. Demasu is a physical exit. You 'deru' from a room, a building, or a tunnel. It doesn't necessarily mean you are going on an outing. You could 'deru' to the balcony for a smoke, but you wouldn't 'dekakeru' to the balcony. Another related verb is 立ち去る (tachisaru), which means 'to leave/depart' but often with a nuance of leaving a scene or moving away from a spot quickly.

Dekakemasu vs. Ikimasu: 'Dekakemasu' focuses on the start of the trip; 'Ikimasu' focuses on the destination.

公園へ行きます。 (I'm going to the park.) vs 公園へ出かけます。 (I'm heading out to the park.)

For more poetic or grand departures, you might see 旅立つ (tabidatsu), which means 'to set off on a journey.' This is much more dramatic than dekakemasu. If you are leaving your hometown forever, you might 'tabidatsu,' but if you are just going to the next city for the weekend, 'dekakemasu' is more appropriate. Finally, 発つ (tatsu) is used for departures from specific transport hubs, like 'Tokyo-eki o tatsu' (departing from Tokyo Station).

Summary of Nuance: 1. Dekakemasu: Daily outing. 2. Demasu: Physical exit. 3. Ikimasu: General movement. 4. Gaishutsu: Formal outing.

家を出ます。 (I leave the house - simple fact) vs 家を出かけます。 (I set out from home - implies an outing).

ちょっと出かけてくるね。 (I'm just gonna pop out for a bit.)

彼は今、外出中です。 (He is currently out - Business formal.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

８時に出かけます。

I go out at 8 o'clock.

Simple present tense with time particle 'ni' (implied or stated).

買い物に出かけます。

I am going out for shopping.

Noun + 'ni' indicates the purpose of going out.

昨日、出かけましたか？

Did you go out yesterday?

Past tense question form.

どこへ出かけますか？

Where are you going out to?

Interrogative 'doko' with direction particle 'e'.

一人で出かけます。

I go out alone.

Adverbial use of 'hitori de' (by oneself).

友達と出かけます。

I go out with a friend.

Particle 'to' indicates 'with'.

公園へ出かけましょう。

Let's go out to the park.

Volitional form '-mashou' for making a suggestion.

今から出かけます。

I'm going out now.

Time adverb 'ima kara' (from now).

散歩に出かけたいです。

I want to go out for a walk.

Desire form '-tai' added to the verb stem.

母は今、出かけています。

My mother is out right now.

Continuous state '-te imasu' indicating she is currently away.

映画を見に出かけました。

I went out to see a movie.

Verb stem 'mi' + 'ni' indicates the purpose.

雨の日は出かけません。

I don't go out on rainy days.

Negative present tense.

出かける前に、窓を閉めます。

Before I go out, I close the windows.

Dictionary form + 'mae ni' (before doing...).

明日、一緒に出かけませんか？

Won't you go out with me tomorrow?

Negative question form used as a polite invitation.

忙しくて出かけられません。

I'm so busy I can't go out.

Potential form 'dekakerareru' in the negative.

帽子をかぶって出かけます。

I put on a hat and go out.

Te-form used to sequence actions.

天気がいいので、どこかへ出かけようと思います。

The weather is nice, so I think I'll go out somewhere.

Volitional form + 'to omoimasu' (I think I will...).

出かけるときは、いつも傘を持っていきます。

When I go out, I always take an umbrella.

Dictionary form + 'toki' (when...).

急いで出かけたので、財布を忘れました。

Because I went out in a hurry, I forgot my wallet.

Te-form used to show cause and effect.

家族が寝ている間に出かけました。

I went out while my family was sleeping.

Verb + 'aida ni' (while...).

どこへ出かけるか、まだ決めていません。

I haven't decided where to go out yet.

Indirect question using 'ka'.

出かける準備ができました。

I'm ready to go out.

Noun 'junbi' (preparation) + 'ga dekimashita'.

たまには遠くへ出かけたいものです。

I really want to go out somewhere far once in a while.

'-tai mono desu' expresses a strong or nostalgic desire.

彼は出かけたきり、戻ってきません。

He went out and hasn't come back since.

Ta-form + 'kiri' (since... and not since then).

どんなに忙しくても、週末は出かけるようにしています。

No matter how busy I am, I make it a point to go out on weekends.

'~youni shite imasu' indicates a habitual effort.

せっかく出かけたのに、店は休みでした。

Even though I went all the way out there, the shop was closed.

'Sekkaku' (with effort) + 'noni' (despite).

出かけようとしたら、電話がかかってきました。

Just as I was about to go out, the phone rang.

Volitional + 'to shitara' (just as I was about to...).

彼は用事があって出かけているはずです。

He should be out on an errand.

'Hazu desu' indicates a strong expectation or probability.

たまには一人でゆっくり出かけるのもいいですね。

It's nice to go out alone and take your time once in a while.

Nominalizing the verb with 'no' to make it the subject.

出かけるついでに、この手紙を出してきてください。

While you're going out, please mail this letter.

'Tsuide ni' (while you're at it / on the way).

雨が降りそうなので、出かけるのをやめました。

It looked like it was going to rain, so I decided not to go out.

'-sou' (looks like) + 'no o yamemashita' (stopped doing...).

最近はあまり出かける機会がありません。

Lately, I haven't had many opportunities to go out.

Noun 'kikai' (opportunity) modified by the verb.

社会情勢の影響で、人々は外出を控えるようになった。

Due to the social situation, people have come to refrain from going out.

Formal 'gaishutsu' used instead of 'dekakeru' in a social context.

彼は何かを決意したかのように、黙って出かけていった。

He went out silently, as if he had resolved to do something.

'~ka no you ni' (as if...).

出かける間際になって、忘れ物に気づくことがよくある。

I often realize I've forgotten something just as I'm about to go out.

'Magiva' (the very moment before).

あんなに天気が悪かったのに、よく出かける気になったね。

I'm surprised you felt like going out despite the weather being so bad.

'~ki ni naru' (to feel like doing something).

仕事に追われて、週末さえ出かける余裕がない。

I'm so chased by work that I don't even have the leeway to go out on weekends.

'Yoyuu' (leeway/room) modified by the verb.

旅に出かけるという行為は、自己を見つめ直す機会でもある。

The act of going out on a journey is also an opportunity to re-examine oneself.

Philosophical use of 'dekakeru' in a nominalized phrase.

彼女は着飾って、夜の街へと出かけていった。

Dressed up, she headed out into the city at night.

Compound verb 'dekakete-iku' showing movement away.

出かけるのを渋っているうちに、日が暮れてしまった。

While I was hesitating to go out, the sun went down.

'Shiburu' (to hesitate) + 'uchi ni' (while).

古来より、日本人は季節の移ろいを感じるために野山へ出かけた。

Since ancient times, Japanese people have gone out to the fields and mountains to feel the changing of the seasons.

Historical/literary context.

彼がふらりと出かけたきり消息を絶ったのは、もう十年前のことだ。

It has been ten years since he wandered out and was never heard from again.

Narrative style with 'furari to' (aimlessly).

都会の喧騒を逃れ、静寂を求めて辺境の地へ出かける。

Escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, one goes out to remote areas in search of silence.

Sophisticated vocabulary (kensou, seijaku, henkyou).

出かけるに際して、彼は一抹の不安を拭い去ることができなかった。

Upon going out, he could not wipe away a touch of anxiety.

'~ni saishite' (upon/on the occasion of).

その作家は、インスピレーションを求めては頻繁に街へ出かけたという。

It is said that the author frequently went out into the city in search of inspiration.

Reported speech 'to iu' in a biographical context.

何かに導かれるようにして、私はその夜、家を出かけた。

As if guided by something, I went out of the house that night.

Literary '~youni shite'.

出かけることの叶わない境遇にある人々に、思いを馳せる。

I spare a thought for those in circumstances where going out is not possible.

High-level expression 'omoi o haseru' (to let one's thoughts fly to).

人生という名の長い旅に出かける準備は、整っているだろうか。

Is the preparation to set out on the long journey called life complete?

Metaphorical use of 'dekakeru'.

Common Collocations

買い物に出かける (kaimono ni dekakeru) - Go out for shopping

散歩に出かける (sanpo ni dekakeru) - Go out for a walk

旅行に出かける (ryokou ni dekakeru) - Go out on a trip

仕事に出かける (shigoto ni dekakeru) - Go out to work

デートに出かける (deeto ni dekakeru) - Go out on a date

食事に出かける (shokuji ni dekakeru) - Go out for a meal

一人で出かける (hitori de dekakeru) - Go out alone

夜に出かける (yoru ni dekakeru) - Go out at night

急いで出かける (isoide dekakeru) - Go out in a hurry

どこかへ出かける (dokoka e dekakeru) - Go out somewhere

Common Phrases

行ってきます (Ittekimasu) - I'm going (out) and coming back.

お出かけですか？ (O-dekake desu ka?) - Are you going out? (Greeting)

出かけています (Dekakete imasu) - Is currently out.

出かけよう！ (Dekakeyou!) - Let's go out!

出かけたくない (Dekaketakunai) - Don't want to go out.

出かける準備 (Dekakeru junbi) - Preparation to go out.

出かける時間 (Dekakeru jikan) - Time to go out.

ちょっと出かけてくる (Chotto dekakete kuru) - Just popping out for a bit.

出かけるのをやめる (Dekakeru no o yameru) - Decide not to go out.

お出かけ日和 (O-dekake biyori) - Perfect weather for going out.

Often Confused With

出かけます vs 出ます (demasu)

Demasu is a physical exit; Dekakemasu is a social outing.

出かけます vs 行きます (ikimasu)

Ikimasu focuses on the destination; Dekakemasu focuses on the departure.

出かけます vs 帰ります (kaerimasu)

Kaerimasu is the opposite (returning home).

Idioms & Expressions

Easily Confused

出かけます vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuance

Implies leaving a 'home base.'

formality

Polite (masu-form) is standard for most interactions.

frequency

Extremely high in daily life.

Common Mistakes

Using 'dekakemasu' to mean leaving a room (use 'demasu').
Forgetting the particle 'ni' for purpose (e.g., 'kaimono dekakemasu' is wrong).
Using 'dekakemasu' when you are already at the destination (use 'ikimasu').
Confusing the conjugation with Group 1 verbs (e.g., saying 'dekakimasu' instead of 'dekakemasu').
Using 'dekakemasu' for permanent moves (like moving house); it's for temporary outings.

Tips

Verb Group

Remember that 'dekakemasu' is a Group 2 verb. This means you just drop 'masu' to get the stem. This makes it very easy to conjugate into other forms like 'dekake-tai' or 'dekake-you'.

Neighborly Greetings

If you see a neighbor leaving their house, saying 'O-dekake desu ka?' is a very natural way to be friendly. They will usually respond with 'Ee, chotto soko made' (Yes, just nearby).

Purpose Particle

Always use the particle 'ni' after a noun to show why you are going out. 'Kaimono ni dekakemasu' is much more natural than just saying 'Kaimono dekakemasu'.

Compound Verbs

Try using 'dekakete-kimasu' instead of just 'dekakemasu' when leaving home. It sounds more like a native speaker because it implies the return trip.

Dekakeru vs Deru

Think of 'deru' as 'exiting' (like a door) and 'dekakeru' as 'going out' (like a Saturday night). If you're just stepping out for a second, 'deru' is better.

Pitch Accent

The pitch rises on 'ka' and stays high until the 'su'. Practicing this will make your Japanese sound much more authentic and less robotic.

Kanji Usage

While '出' is the kanji, most of the word is hiragana. Don't try to find kanji for the 'kake' part in daily writing; '出かけます' is the standard look.

Ittekimasu

The phrase 'Ittekimasu' is the soul of 'dekakemasu.' Never leave a Japanese home without saying it! It's the verbal contract that you will return safely.

Context Clues

If you hear 'dekakete imasu' on the phone, it means the person is not in the office. It's a key phrase for business Japanese learners to recognize.

Invitations

Use 'dekakemasen ka?' to invite someone out. It's softer and more polite than 'dekakemashou' because it gives the other person an easy way to say no.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Originally meant to 'start to go out' or 'begin the exit process.' Over time, it became the standard word for an outing.

Cultural Context

Japan is generally safe, but 'hitori-aruki' (walking alone) at night is still cautioned for children and women.

'O-dekake-gi' refers to nice clothes worn specifically for going out.

Neighbors use 'O-dekake desu ka?' as a polite 'hello.'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"週末はどこかへ出かけましたか？ (Did you go out somewhere this weekend?)"

"明日、一緒に買い物に出かけませんか？ (Would you like to go shopping together tomorrow?)"

"お出かけの時は、いつも何をバッグに入れますか？ (What do you always put in your bag when you go out?)"

"最近、一番楽しかったお出かけはどこですか？ (Where was the most fun outing you've had recently?)"

"雨の日でも出かけるのは好きですか？ (Do you like going out even on rainy days?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、どこへ出かけましたか？ (Where did you go out today?)

理想的なお出かけのプランを書いてください。 (Write your ideal outing plan.)

出かける前に必ずすることをリストにしてください。 (List the things you always do before going out.)

子供の頃、家族とどこへ出かけるのが好きでしたか？ (Where did you like to go out with your family as a child?)

「お出かけ」と「旅行」の違いは何だと思いますか？ (What do you think is the difference between an 'outing' and a 'trip'?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use 'demasu' for leaving a room. 'Dekakemasu' is for leaving your house or office for an outing. Using it for a room sounds like you are going on a journey to the hallway.

'Ikimasu' means 'to go' and focuses on where you are going. 'Dekakemasu' means 'to go out' and focuses on the act of leaving your home. If someone asks 'Where are you going?' while you're at the station, use 'ikimasu.' If they ask while you're putting on shoes at home, use 'dekakemasu.'

Yes, 'dekakemasu' is polite. However, if you are talking about your boss leaving, you should use honorifics like 'o-dekake ni narimasu.' If you are talking about yourself to a boss, 'dekakemasu' is fine, or 'gaishutsu itashimasu' for extra humility.

You can say 'Koohii o nomi ni dekakemasu' (using the verb stem 'nomi') or 'Koohii ni dekakemasu' (though the first one is more common). It clearly shows the purpose of your outing.

Yes, you can use it for trips, like 'Ryokou ni dekakemasu.' However, for very long or significant journeys, 'tabidatsu' is sometimes used in literature, but 'dekakemasu' is perfectly fine for daily speech.

It literally means 'I will go out and come.' It's a very common way to say 'I'm going out (but I'll be back).' It's slightly more descriptive than just 'dekakemasu.'

Yes, the kanji is '出'. The 'kake' part is usually written in hiragana (出かけます), although the kanji '掛' exists, it's rarely used for this specific verb in modern Japanese.

Yes, 'Ie o dekakemasu' or 'Ie kara dekakemasu' are both used to mean 'leave home.' 'O' emphasizes the point of departure as an object you are leaving behind.

'O-dekake' is the noun form of the verb with a polite prefix. It means 'an outing' or 'a trip.' You might hear 'O-dekake desu ka?' as a greeting.

Use the negative desire form: 'Dekaketakunai desu.' This is a very common phrase during bad weather or when you're feeling tired.