外付(そとづ)け

そとづけ
noun, no-adjective
external; externally attached
technology
1. external; externally attached; add-on
Something attached to the outside of a device or system rather than being built in. Very common in technology contexts for peripherals and accessories.
I'm using an external hard drive.
I connected an external keyboard to my laptop.
I recommend using external storage for data backups.

Composed of 外(そと) (outside) + 付(づ)け (attachment). Primarily used as a modifier (with の) to describe devices or components that are attached externally rather than built into a system. Extremely common in technology and computing contexts.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 内蔵(ないぞう): built-in — the opposite; a component that is integrated inside the device
  • 周辺機器(しゅうへんきき): peripheral device — general term for external devices connected to a computer
  • 取(と)り付(つ)け: installation, mounting — the act of attaching something, not the state of being external