Inklingo

How to Say "outer" in Spanish

English → Spanish

exterior

ehks-teh-RYOReks.teˈɾjoɾ

adjectiveA1general
Use 'exterior' when referring to the outermost surface or layer of a single object or structure.
A close-up view of the red wooden exterior wall of a house, emphasizing the surface texture.

Examples

Pintaremos la pared exterior de la casa de azul.

We will paint the outer wall of the house blue.

Necesitamos revisar el cableado exterior antes de la tormenta.

We need to check the outer wiring before the storm.

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).

externo

eks-TEHR-noheksˈteɾno

adjectiveA2general
Choose 'externo' for things that are on the outside or for external application, often contrasted with internal.
A bright red apple resting on the outer surface of a closed wooden box.

Examples

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.

exteriores

eks-teh-ryoh-rehseksteˈɾjoɾes

adjectiveA2general
Use 'exteriores' specifically when talking about the outer parts or surfaces of multiple objects or a group of things.
A wooden crate with a bright red outer surface being painted.

Examples

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.

periférico

adjectiveB2general
Employ 'periférico' when referring to the outer areas or outskirts of a city or a larger geographical region.

Examples

La policía patrulla los barrios periféricos de la capital.

The police patrol the outer neighborhoods of the capital.

Exterior vs. Externo

Learners often confuse 'exterior' and 'externo'. Remember that 'exterior' typically refers to the outside surface of a single thing, while 'externo' often implies something external in a broader sense or for use, like 'external use'.

Related Translations

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