外側(そとがわ)

外側(そとがわ) refers to the outside surface or exterior portion of something, as opposed to its interior.

Forms

外(そと) (outside) + 側(がわ) (side). The pattern X側(がわ) is productive for indicating sides or aspects.

CONTRAST WITH 内側(うちがわ):

• 外側(そとがわ): outside, outer surface
• 内側(うちがわ): inside, inner surface

Common patterns

• 外側(そとがわ)から見(み)る: to look from outside
• 外側(そとがわ)に向(む)く: to face outward
• 外側(そとがわ)を掃除(そうじ)する: to clean the exterior
• 外側(そとがわ)に塗(ぬ)る: to apply to the outside

Similar words

• 外(そと): outside (general)
• 外部(がいぶ): exterior, external (more formal)
• 表面(ひょうめん): surface