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.
His behavior is outrageous.
You're saying something outrageous.
A strong, formal term meaning 'utterly outrageous' or 'inexcusable'. Often used in news or formal complaints.
That remark is outrageous.
A verb meaning 'to be appalled' or 'disgusted'. Describes the feeling of being shocked by outrageous behavior.
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.
Make outrageous demands.
Describing a price that is shockingly expensive or unreasonably high.
Directly means 'outrageous price'. Very common and natural.
This restaurant has outrageous prices.
Means 'exorbitant price'. Slightly more formal than とんでもない.
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.
Her clothes are always outrageous.
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.
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.
That story is outrageous (unbelievable).
Means 'impossible' or 'no way'. Used for something outrageously unlikely or unacceptable.
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.
What an outrageous price!
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.
The politician's comment was outrageous.
They charge an outrageous amount for parking.
She wore an outrageous hat to the wedding.
あの店はぼったくりだ。
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?
そんなのありえない！
That's outrageous! (No way!)
むちゃくちゃな言い訳だ。
That's an outrageous excuse.