Translation guide
Expresses that something is impossible, unacceptable, or not worth considering. Japanese uses various set phrases and grammar patterns depending on the nuance.
To say that something cannot be done or is not a viable choice.
Literally 'outside the argument', meaning something is not even worth discussing. Strong and direct.
そんな提案は論外だ。
That proposal is out of the question.
To say that something is not permitted or cannot be tolerated.
Means 'absolutely unacceptable' or 'outrageous'. Often used in formal or written contexts.
遅刻はもってのほかだ。
Being late is out of the question.
Literally 'not forgiven/allowed'. Common in everyday speech.
To dismiss an idea as not even worth thinking about.
Means 'not worth discussing' or 'out of the question'. Very common in conversation.
その条件では話にならない。
Under those conditions, it's out of the question.
論外 and 問題外 are nearly interchangeable and mean 'out of the question' in the sense of 'not even worth discussing'. もってのほか is stronger and implies moral outrage or absolute unacceptability, often used in formal settings.
Do not translate 'out of the question' literally as 質問の外 (しつもんのそと). That is not a natural Japanese expression.
Similar to 論外, meaning 'outside the question/problem'. Slightly less common but still natural.
値上げは問題外です。
A price increase is out of the question.
Pattern meaning 'something like ~ is impossible/unthinkable'. Emphasizes impossibility.
彼が謝るなどありえない。
It's out of the question that he would apologize.
Strong denial pattern: 'there is no way that ~'. Used for logical impossibility.
彼がそんなことをするわけがない。
It's out of the question that he would do such a thing.
Such behavior is out of the question.
Pattern meaning 'cannot afford to ~' or 'cannot be doing ~'. Implies the action is not an option under the circumstances.
今は休んではいられない。
Resting is out of the question right now.
Similar to 話にならない, meaning 'not a problem worth considering'.
彼の実力では問題にならない。
With his ability, it's out of the question.