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How to Say "outdoor" in Spanish

English → Spanish

exteriores

eks-teh-ryoh-rehseksteˈɾjoɾes

adjectiveA2general
Use 'exteriores' when referring to activities that take place outside or spaces that are on the outside of a building or structure.
A wooden crate with a bright red outer surface being painted.

Examples

Nos encanta hacer picnics en el parque al aire libre.

We love having picnics outdoors in the park.

Las paredes exteriores de la casa son de piedra.

The outer walls of the house are made of stone.

Prefiero las actividades exteriores cuando hace buen tiempo.

I prefer outdoor activities when the weather is good.

One size fits all

Even though many Spanish words change their endings for boys (masculine) and girls (feminine), this word stays the same for both! You only need to worry about making it plural.

externo

eks-TEHR-noheksˈteɾno

adjectiveA2general
Use 'externo' when describing something that is on the outside of something else, often in a more technical or medical context, as opposed to internal.
A bright red apple resting on the outer surface of a closed wooden box.

Examples

La hinchazón es externa y se puede tratar con hielo.

The swelling is external and can be treated with ice.

Esta crema es solo para uso externo.

This cream is for external use only.

Necesito un disco duro externo para mis archivos.

I need an external hard drive for my files.

Factores externos afectaron el resultado del examen.

External factors affected the exam result.

Matching the Noun

This word changes its ending to match the person or object it describes. Use 'externo' for masculine (el factor), 'externa' for feminine (la capa), and add an '-s' for plurals.

Word Order

In Spanish, this word usually comes after the thing it is describing, like 'disco externo' (hard drive external), which is the opposite of English.

Confusing Externo with Exterior

Mistake: “La parte externo de la casa.”

Correction: La parte exterior de la casa.

Outdoor vs. External

Learners often confuse 'exteriores' and 'externo'. Remember that 'exteriores' is typically used for activities or areas that are outside, while 'externo' refers to something being on the outside of an object or body, contrasting with 'interno' (internal).

Related Translations

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