en el exterior
Lemma Details
Translation: outside; abroad; outdoors; in the exterior
Part of Speech: adverbial phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines the preposition 'en' (in), the definite article 'el' (the), and the noun 'exterior' (exterior, outside). The Spanish word 'exterior' comes from Latin 'exterior', which is the comparative form of 'exterus' meaning 'outward' or 'foreign'. It shares the same Latin root as the English word 'exterior'.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Prefiero comer en el exterior cuando hace buen tiempo.
I prefer to eat outside when the weather is nice.
Muchos españoles trabajan en el exterior debido a la crisis económica.
Many Spaniards work abroad due to the economic crisis.
Las plantas necesitan estar en el exterior para recibir luz solar.
Plants need to be outdoors to receive sunlight.
Mnemonics
- 'Exterior' looks like 'exterior' in English, making it easy to remember it means 'outside'.
- Think of 'en el exterior' as being 'in the exterior world' - outside the boundaries of where you currently are.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in Spanish to refer to being outside a building or in another country. In Spanish-speaking countries, 'en el exterior' often specifically refers to foreign countries, especially when discussing politics, economics, or travel.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'en el exterior' can mean 'abroad', 'en el extranjero' specifically means 'in a foreign country' and cannot be used to mean 'outside' in the sense of outdoors.
Notes: 'En el exterior' is more versatile and can refer to being outside a building or abroad, while 'en el extranjero' specifically refers to foreign countries.
Mnemonic: 'Extranjero' contains 'extraño' (strange) - foreign countries can seem strange, while 'exterior' is just the outside area.
Explanation: 'En el exterior' means being outside, while 'al exterior' implies movement toward the outside.
Notes: The preposition makes a significant difference in meaning: 'en' indicates location, while 'a' (in 'al') indicates direction.
Mnemonic: 'En' means 'in' (static position), while 'al' (a + el) suggests movement 'to the'.