以外
Except・besides, Other than, With the exception of
Structure
Noun + 以外
Explanation
To express the idea of 'other than (A)' or 'apart from (A)', you can use 以外. This word is formed by the kanji 以, meaning 'by means of' or 'from', and 外, meaning 'outside'. This is why the expression literally means 'outside of (A)', and is commonly translated as 'with the exception of (A)' or 'besides (A)'.
Using 以外 is straightforward: simply add it directly after the noun you wish to exclude.
- この本屋は漫画以外の本はありますか。Does this bookstore have any books other than manga?
- 田中さんは勉強以外に何かしますか。Tanaka-san, do you do anything besides study?
Fun Fact
Interestingly, 以外 is often used colloquially to show surprise, much like saying something is 'unexpected'. This happens when something is 'outside' one's expectations. Technically, the proper kanji for this meaning is 意外 ('unexpected' or 'surprising'). Because they sound identical, even native speakers mix them up in writing, but both forms are usually understood in context.
- 山田さんが料理できるなんて、意外ですね。You can cook, Yamada-san? I'm a little surprised.
- 彼女は若く見えるけど、意外に子供がいるんですよ。She looks young, but surprisingly enough, she has kids.
Examples
先生以外、誰も分からなかった。
No one except for the teacher understood.
これ以外、方法がない。
There is no way other than this.
ピーマン以外何でも料理できます。
I can cook with anything except for bell peppers.
うちの猫はキャットフード以外何も食べない。
My cat won't eat anything other than cat food.
ゲーム以外に趣味はないの？
Do you have any hobbies besides video games?
私はロック以外の音楽はあまり聞かない。
I don't really listen to any music other than rock.
東京以外にどこへ行きたいですか。
Besides Tokyo, where else do you want to go?
テスト中、辞書以外使ってはいけません。
During the test, you are not allowed to use anything except for a dictionary.
映画を見ること以外他に何か予定はある？
Besides watching a movie, do you have any other plans?
週末は家の掃除以外何もしなかった。
I did nothing except clean the house this weekend.
最近、野菜以外、何も食べていなかった。
Recently, I haven't been eating anything except for vegetables.
現金以外に支払い方法はありますか。
Besides cash, are there any other payment methods?