Translation guide
The English word 'outlet' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: an electrical socket, a store selling goods directly from a manufacturer, and a means of expressing emotions or creativity. Other meanings like a river outlet or a news outlet are less common in daily conversation.
A point on a wall where you plug in electrical devices.
The most common and natural word for an electrical outlet in Japanese. Derived from 'concentric plug', but now used for any wall socket.
スマホをコンセントに差してください。
Please plug your smartphone into the outlet.
この部屋にはコンセントが二つあります。
There are two outlets in this room.
Literally 'insertion opening'. A more descriptive term, often used in instructions or technical contexts.
電源コードを差し込み口に接続してください。
Connect the power cord to the outlet.
The English loanword 'outlet' is sometimes used for electrical outlets, but it's much less common than コンセント and may cause confusion with the shopping meaning.
Using アウトレット for an electrical socket is not standard and may not be understood. Stick with コンセント.
このアウトレットは使えません。
This outlet doesn't work.
A shop that sells goods directly from the manufacturer, often at discounted prices.
The standard term for an outlet store. Often used in compound words like アウトレットモール (outlet mall).
週末にアウトレットで買い物をしました。
I went shopping at the outlet on the weekend.
このブランドのアウトレットはどこですか？
Where is the outlet for this brand?
Literally 'direct sale store'. A more formal or descriptive term for a manufacturer's outlet.
工場の直売店で安く買えます。
You can buy it cheaply at the factory outlet.
A way to release or express strong feelings, energy, or creativity.
The most common metaphorical 'outlet' for emotions, stress, or energy. Literally 'drain outlet', but used figuratively.
運動はストレスのはけ口になります。
Exercise is an outlet for stress.
彼は感情のはけ口として音楽を作っている。
He makes music as an outlet for his emotions.
Literally 'place of release'. Used for an outlet where you can let off steam or express yourself.
趣味は日常のストレスを発散する場です。
Hobbies are an outlet for releasing daily stress.
Literally 'means of expression'. A more direct translation for a creative outlet.
絵を描くことは私にとって自己表現の手段です。
Painting is an outlet for self-expression for me.
The point where a river or stream flows out of a lake or into the sea.
General word for 'exit' or 'outlet'. Can be used for rivers, but often needs context.
湖の出口に小さな滝があります。
There is a small waterfall at the outlet of the lake.
Specifically a drain or outlet for water, like in a sink or bathtub.
A publication or broadcast organization that distributes news.
Standard term for a news organization or media outlet.
複数の報道機関がその事件を報じた。
Multiple news outlets reported on the incident.
The loanword 'media' is commonly used to refer to news outlets collectively.
コンセント means electrical outlet, while アウトレット usually means a shopping outlet. Using the wrong one can cause confusion.
コンセントを探しています。
I'm looking for an electrical outlet.
アウトレットで買い物をしたいです。
I want to shop at the outlet.
The outlet is clogged.
The news was covered by all outlets.