1.
outfield
The area of a baseball field beyond the infield, or the players who defend that area.
ボールが外野に飛んだ。
The ball flew to the outfield.
外野フライでアウトになった。
He was out on an outfield fly.
彼は外野手として活躍している。
He is active as an outfielder.
2.
outsiders, bystanders
People who are not directly involved in a situation but make comments or criticism from the sidelines.
外野からあれこれ言われる。
To be criticized by outsiders.
外野の意見は気にしない。
I don't pay attention to what outsiders say.
外野がうるさいが、当事者たちで決めよう。
The outsiders are noisy, but let's decide among ourselves.
外野 literally means "outside field" and refers to the outfield in baseball. It is also used figuratively to mean people who comment on matters they are not directly involved in.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 外野席 (outfield seats, bleachers)
- 外野手 (outfielder)
- 外野から口を出す (to stick one's nose in from the sidelines)
USAGE NOTE:
The figurative sense (meaning 2) often carries a negative nuance, implying that outsiders should not interfere.