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How to Say "overseas" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “overseas” is “exterior” — use 'exterior' when referring to the foreign affairs aspect of a country, like a minister or ministry dealing with international relations..

English → Spanish

exterior

ehks-teh-RYOR/eks.teˈɾjoɾ/

nounB2formal
Use 'exterior' when referring to the foreign affairs aspect of a country, like a minister or ministry dealing with international relations.
A small passenger ship sailing across the open blue ocean, leaving a distant shoreline behind, symbolizing travel to foreign countries.

Examples

El Ministro del Exterior viajará a Asia la próxima semana.

The Foreign Minister will travel to Asia next week.

Ella prefiere comprar productos hechos en el exterior.

She prefers to buy products made abroad (in foreign countries).

Official Titles

When referring to government departments, 'exterior' is often used as a shortened way to say 'foreign affairs' (like 'Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores').

extranjero

ehx-trahn-HEH-roh/eks.tɾaŋˈxe.ɾo/

adjectiveA2
Use 'extranjero' to describe things that are from another country, such as goods, people, or languages.
A vibrant red Japanese torii gate standing alone in a simple, generic green field under a blue sky, illustrating something foreign to the setting.

Examples

Mi hermana estudia un idioma extranjero.

My sister studies a foreign language.

La inversión extranjera es importante para la economía.

Foreign investment is important for the economy.

Matching the Noun

As an adjective, 'extranjero' must change its ending to match the thing it describes in gender (o/a) and number (singular/plural).

Gender Mismatch

Mistake: “Compré una comida extranjero.”

Correction: Compré una comida extranjera. (Because 'comida' is feminine.)

Noun vs. Adjective Confusion

The most common mistake is using 'exterior' (a noun referring to foreign affairs) when you mean 'extranjero' (an adjective describing something from abroad). Remember, 'exterior' often relates to government or official business, while 'extranjero' is a general descriptor for anything foreign.

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