Translation guide
The concept of being outdoors, in the open, or exposed to the elements. Japanese has several ways to express this, depending on whether you mean 'outdoors' in general, 'open-air' as an adjective for activities or facilities, or 'exposed to the weather'.
To say that something is happening or located outside, not inside a building.
A formal or written term for 'outdoors' or 'outside'. Often used in signs, announcements, or official contexts.
屋外での飲食は禁止されています。
Eating and drinking outdoors is prohibited.
The most common, everyday word for 'outside'. Can be used for any outdoor location or activity.
今日は外で遊ぼう。
Let's play outside today.
外は寒いからコートを着て。
It's cold outside, so wear a coat.
Often used for outdoor activities, events, or facilities, like 'open-air concert' or 'outdoor school'. Slightly more specific than 屋外.
野外コンサートに行った。
I went to an open-air concert.
To describe something that is designed to be in the open air, like a bath, market, or theater.
Means 'open-air' or 'outdoor' and is commonly used for baths (露天風呂), markets (露天市), etc. Implies exposure to the sky.
露天風呂に入るのが好きです。
I like soaking in an open-air bath.
毎週日曜日に露天市が開かれる。
An open-air market is held every Sunday.
Also means 'outdoor' or 'open-air', but often for events or activities (野外活動 outdoor activities, 野外劇 open-air theater).
野外フェスは夏の風物詩だ。
Open-air festivals are a summer tradition.
Formal term for 'outdoor' as in facilities or spaces (屋外プール outdoor pool, 屋外駐車場 outdoor parking lot).
このホテルには屋外プールがあります。
This hotel has an outdoor pool.
To emphasize that something is not under cover and is directly exposed to sun, wind, rain, etc.
Describes something left out in the open, exposed to the elements, often with a nuance of neglect or weathering. Can be used for objects or people.
自転車が野ざらしになっている。
The bicycle is left out in the open.
Specifically exposed to rain. Often used for things left outside without cover.
Literary or descriptive phrase meaning 'exposed to wind and rain'. Used for dramatic effect.
古い家は風雨にさらされて傷んでいる。
The old house is damaged from being exposed to the elements.
To express the pleasant, healthy feeling of being outside in fresh air, often in a natural setting.
Literally 'to breathe the outside air'. A common way to say 'get some fresh air'.
ちょっと外の空気を吸ってくる。
I'm going to get some fresh air.
Means 'in nature' or 'out in nature'. Emphasizes being surrounded by natural environment.
自然の中で過ごす時間が好きだ。
I like spending time out in the open air (in nature).
露天 (roten) is often used for things that are traditionally indoors but are placed outside, like baths or markets. 野外 (yagai) is common for events and activities in open spaces. 屋外 (okugai) is a formal term for any outdoor area or facility.
The literal translation '開いた空気' (hiraita kuuki) is nonsensical. Always use the appropriate Japanese term based on context.
洗濯物が雨ざらしだ。
The laundry is getting rained on.