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外出中に
gaishutchū ni
while out
外出中に電話があったら、メッセージを残してください。
If there's a call while I'm out, please leave a message.
formal
During the time when someone is away from home or their usual place.
外出中に荷物が届いた。
A package arrived while I was out.
外出中に雨が降り始めた。
It started raining while I was out.
Often used in contexts like deliveries, messages, or events that occur during someone's absence. Can be shortened to 外出中 in casual speech.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Remember the structure
外出中に = 外出 (going out) + 中 (during) + に (time particle). Think of it as 'during the going-out period.'
Gold Rule
Use for absence-related events
This phrase is specifically for events that occur while someone is away from their usual location, not for general 'during' contexts.
Word Origin
Composed of 外出 (がいしゅつ, 'going out') + 中 (ちゅう, 'during') + に (particle indicating time). The phrase follows the grammatical structure where 中 indicates a period within which something occurs, and に specifies the exact timing.
Usage Notes
This phrase is commonly used in formal or written contexts (e.g., messages, notices) to indicate actions or events that happen during someone's absence. In spoken Japanese, it is often shortened to 外出中 (がいしゅつちゅう) or 外出してる間 (がいしゅつしてるあいだ).
Word Breakdown
外出
going out
noun中
during
suffixに
time particle
particle和英辞典