externo
“externo” means “external” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
external, outer
Also: outdoor, foreign
📝 In Action
Esta crema es solo para uso externo.
A2This cream is for external use only.
Necesito un disco duro externo para mis archivos.
B1I need an external hard drive for my files.
Factores externos afectaron el resultado del examen.
B2External factors affected the exam result.
day student
Also: outpatient
📝 In Action
La mayoría de los alumnos en este colegio son externos.
B2Most of the students at this school are day students.
Ella trabaja como médica externa en la clínica.
C1She works as an external doctor at the clinic.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: externo
Question 1 of 3
If a bottle says 'Solo para uso externo,' what should you NOT do?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'externus', which literally means 'on the outside' or 'outward'. It comes from the root 'ex' meaning 'out'.
First recorded: 15th Century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'externo' and 'exterior'?
Think of 'exterior' as 'the outside' (like the wall of a building) and 'externo' as 'coming from outside' (like a hard drive or a reason for a problem).
Can 'externo' be used for people?
Yes! In schools or hospitals, an 'externo' is someone who doesn't live or stay overnight at the facility.
Is 'externo' formal?
It is a neutral word. It's used in medicine and business, but it's also common in daily life when talking about technology or household products.