1.
various foreign countries; other countries; foreign nations
A collective term referring to multiple foreign countries, often used when comparing Japan with other nations or discussing international trends.
諸外国と比べてみる。
To compare with other countries.
諸外国の事例を参考にすべきだ。
We should refer to examples from other countries.
日本の教育制度は諸外国と比較して独自の特徴がある。
Japan's education system has unique features compared with those of other countries.
Composed of 諸 (various, many) + 外国 (foreign countries). The prefix 諸 adds the meaning of "various" or "several," making this a formal way to refer to multiple foreign nations collectively.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 諸外国と比較する (to compare with other countries)
- 諸外国の制度 (systems of other countries)
- 諸外国に遅れを取る (to lag behind other countries)
- 諸外国から学ぶ (to learn from other countries)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 外国 — foreign country; singular or general, less formal
- 海外 — overseas; broader term that can include regions, not just countries
- 各国 — each country, every country; emphasizes individual countries rather than a collective group
USAGE:
諸外国 is a formal expression common in news, policy discussions, and academic writing. It is almost always used from a Japanese perspective, comparing Japan with other nations. It implies a serious, analytical tone.