nounnounadjective

l’extérieur

outside · exterior

Qui est dehors ou qui se trouve hors d’un lieu, d’un bâtiment ou d’un espace fermé.

The French word "extérieur" means "outside" or "external". It can be used both as a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

As an adjective:

It describes something related to the outside or external part of something.
Example: la façade extérieure — the exterior façade (the outside part).

As a noun:

It refers to the outside or external area of a place.
Example: aller à l’extérieur — to go outside.

Synonyms and differences:

Dehors: Means "outside", often referring to the outdoors or an external space. It's more often used as an adverb or noun.
- Example: Il fait froid dehors — It's cold outside.
- Difference: "Dehors" emphasizes physically being outside in an open space.
Extérieur: Emphasizes external part or outward aspect, can apply to physical or abstract things (like the exterior design of a building, or external relations).
- Example: La politique extérieure — foreign policy (external policy).
En plein air: Means "in the open air" and refers to being outdoors, usually emphasizing space or environment.
- Example: un spectacle en plein air — an outdoor show.

In summary, "extérieur" is a versatile term used for anything related to the outside or external part of something, both tangible and abstract. It's more formal and broad than "dehors," and applies in many contexts from physical locations to concepts like foreign affairs.