1.
outside telephone line; external line
A telephone line connecting to outside the building or organization, as opposed to an internal extension line. In Japanese offices, you typically dial a number (often 0) to access an outside line.
外線にかけるには０を押してください。
To call an outside line, please press 0.
外線が鳴っているから取ってくれる？
The outside line is ringing — can you get it?
会議中は外線を受付に転送するように設定してある。
During meetings, outside calls are set to be forwarded to reception.
USAGE:
外線 is standard office vocabulary in Japan. Most business phone systems distinguish between 外線 (outside lines) and 内線 (internal extensions). Knowing this distinction is essential for working in a Japanese office.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 外線をかける (to make an outside call)
- 外線が入る (an outside call comes in)
- 外線番号 (outside line number)
- 外線に出る (to answer an outside call)
RELATED WORDS:
- 内線: internal extension line
- 代表電話: main phone number (of a company)
- 転送: call forwarding