1.
out of range; out of service area; no signal
Being outside the coverage area where a mobile phone can receive signal.
山の中で圏外になった。
I lost signal in the mountains.
ここは圏外だから電話ができない。
I can't make calls here because there's no signal.
2.
outside the sphere; out of scope
Figuratively, being outside a certain area or scope of concern.
その問題は私の関心の圏外だ。
That issue is outside my sphere of concern.
ETYMOLOGY:
圏 (sphere, area) + 外 (outside)
PHONE DISPLAY:
When a phone has no signal, the screen typically shows 「圏外」 where the signal bars would normally be.
RELATED:
- 圏内 - within range (antonym)
- 電波が届かない - signal doesn't reach
- アンテナが立たない - no bars (colloquial)
COLLOCATIONS:
- 圏外になる - to go out of range
- 圏外で〜できない - can't ~ because out of range