Translation guide
The English word 'outrageous' can describe something shocking, extreme, or offensive. This guide helps learners express these nuances naturally in Japanese, covering reactions to behavior, prices, fashion, and more.
Expressing that someone's actions are morally shocking, unacceptable, or cause public outrage.
A versatile phrase meaning 'unthinkable', 'outrageous', or 'absurd'. Used to strongly reject an idea or express shock at someone's behavior.
彼の行動はとんでもない。
His behavior is outrageous.
とんでもないことを言うね。
You're saying something outrageous.
A strong, formal term meaning 'utterly outrageous' or 'inexcusable'. Often used in news or formal complaints.
その発言は言語道断だ。
That remark is outrageous.
A verb meaning 'to be appalled' or 'disgusted'. Describes the feeling of being shocked by outrageous behavior.
彼の無責任さにあきれた。
I was appalled by his irresponsibility. (It was outrageous.)
Literally 'outside the law', but used to mean 'outrageous' or 'unreasonable', especially for demands or conditions.
法外な要求をする。
Make outrageous demands.
Describing a price that is shockingly expensive or unreasonably high.
Directly means 'outrageous price'. Very common and natural.
このレストランはとんでもない値段だ。
This restaurant has outrageous prices.
Means 'exorbitant price'. Slightly more formal than とんでもない.
法外な値段を請求された。
I was charged an outrageous price.
Slang for 'rip-off'. Used when a price is outrageously high and unfair.
Describing clothing, appearance, or behavior that is wildly bold, flashy, or over-the-top.
Means 'flashy', 'gaudy', or 'loud'. Commonly used for outrageous fashion or colors.
彼女の服はいつも派手だ。
Her clothes are always outrageous.
派手な色の車に乗っている。
He drives a car in an outrageous color.
Means 'garish' or 'loud' in a negative way. Stronger than 派手.
Means 'out of the ordinary' or 'beyond common sense'. Can describe outrageous fashion or behavior.
常識外れのファッション
outrageous fashion
Reacting to a situation or story that is so extreme it's hard to believe.
Means 'unbelievable'. The most common way to express that something is outrageously surprising.
その話は信じられない。
That story is outrageous (unbelievable).
Means 'impossible' or 'no way'. Used for something outrageously unlikely or unacceptable.
そんなのありえない！
That's outrageous! (No way!)
Means 'absurd', 'nonsensical', or 'outrageous'. Often used for chaotic or unreasonable situations.
とんでもない focuses on the unacceptability or absurdity of an action/price, while 信じられない focuses on the speaker's inability to believe something. Use とんでもない for moral outrage or extreme prices, and 信じられない for surprising facts.
とんでもない値段だ。
What an outrageous price!
彼が辞めたなんて信じられない。
I can't believe he quit. (It's outrageous.)
Do not directly translate 'outrageous' as 乱暴な (violent) or 無法な (lawless) unless the context is about violent or illegal acts. For most uses, the words above are more natural.
その政治家の発言はとんでもなかった。
The politician's comment was outrageous.
駐車料金がとんでもなく高い。
They charge an outrageous amount for parking.
彼女は結婚式に派手な帽子をかぶってきた。
She wore an outrageous hat to the wedding.
That store is a rip-off. (Their prices are outrageous.)
そのネクタイはどぎついね。
That tie is outrageous, isn't it?
むちゃくちゃな言い訳だ。
That's an outrageous excuse.