1.
eating out, dining out
To eat at a restaurant instead of at home.
外食する。
To eat out.
今日は外食にしよう。
Let's eat out today.
外食産業は年々成長している。
The restaurant industry is growing year by year.
最近は忙しくて、外食ばかりしている。
I've been busy lately and only eating out.
外食するより家で料理を作った方が安い。
It's cheaper to cook at home than to eat out.
外食 is a noun/suru-verb combining 外 (outside) + 食 (eat).
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 外食する (to eat out)
- 外食が多い (eat out often)
- 外食産業 (restaurant industry)
- 外食チェーン (restaurant chain)
CONTRAST:
- 外食: eating out at restaurants
- 自炊: cooking for oneself
- 中食: eating prepared food at home (bento, takeout)