exterior
/ehks-teh-RYOR/
external
Exterior as an adjective means relating to the outside surface, like this wall.
exterior(adjective)
external
?relating to the outside surface
,outer
?the layer or part that is outside
outside
?describing a location or quality
π In Action
Pintaremos la pared exterior de la casa de azul.
A1We will paint the exterior wall of the house blue.
Necesitamos revisar el cableado exterior antes de la tormenta.
A2We need to check the outer wiring before the storm.
π‘ Grammar Points
Gender Consistency
This adjective describes nouns, but unlike many Spanish adjectives, it looks the same whether the noun is masculine (muro exterior) or feminine (pared exterior).
β Usage Tips
Placement
Like most descriptive adjectives, 'exterior' usually comes after the noun it describes (la parte exterior).
Used as a noun, exterior refers to the outside physical area.
exterior(noun)
the outside
?the physical area or surface
,the exterior
?appearance or structure
the outside area
?a location
π In Action
El exterior del edificio necesita una limpieza urgente.
A2The exterior of the building urgently needs cleaning.
Esperamos en el exterior hasta que abrieron la tienda.
B1We waited on the outside until they opened the store.
π‘ Grammar Points
Always Needs 'El'
When used as a noun meaning 'the outside,' you must always use the definite article 'el' (masculine 'the').
β Common Pitfalls
Mixing Noun and Adverb
Mistake: "Voy exterior. (Incorrect use of the noun as a location adverb.)"
Correction: Voy afuera. (Use the adverb 'afuera' for moving to the outside.)
When referring to foreign countries, exterior means abroad.
exterior(noun)
abroad
?foreign countries or places
,foreign affairs
?government context (often capitalized in English)
overseas
?referring to travel or business
π In Action
El Ministro del Exterior viajarΓ‘ a Asia la prΓ³xima semana.
B2The Foreign Minister will travel to Asia next week.
Ella prefiere comprar productos hechos en el exterior.
B2She prefers to buy products made abroad (in foreign countries).
π‘ Grammar Points
Official Titles
When referring to government departments, 'exterior' is often used as a shortened way to say 'foreign affairs' (like 'Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores').
β Usage Tips
Talking about Travel
To say you are going abroad, it's more common to use 'al extranjero' or simply 'fuera' than 'al exterior'.
βοΈ Quick Practice
π‘ Quick Quiz: exterior
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'exterior' as a noun meaning 'abroad'?
π More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'exterior' and 'afuera'?
'Exterior' is usually a noun (el exterior = the outside surface/area) or an adjective (la pared exterior = the outside wall). 'Afuera' is an adverb used to describe where an action happens or where something is located (Estamos afuera = We are outside).
Does 'exterior' change form for plural nouns?
Yes, as an adjective, it adds '-es' to become plural: 'los muros exteriores' (the exterior walls) and 'las puertas exteriores' (the exterior doors).