Translation guide
A rip-off is something that is overpriced, a fraud, or a cheap imitation. This guide covers how to express these ideas naturally in Japanese.
That's a rip-off! (overpriced)
It's a rip-off of that movie.
To say something is a rip-off because it costs too much for what you get.
The most common and direct way to say something is a rip-off in terms of price. Often used for tourist traps, bars, or services that overcharge.
That shop is a rip-off.
I got ripped off at a tourist spot.
Simply means 'expensive'. Not as strong as 'rip-off', but can be used with emphasis to imply overpriced.
Means 'exorbitant price'. More formal and used in writing or complaints.
To describe a situation where you were cheated out of money through deception.
General word for fraud or scam. Can be used for financial scams, online fraud, etc.
That's a total rip-off (scam).
I fell for a scam and lost a lot of money.
Verb meaning 'to deceive' or 'to trick'. Used when someone intentionally rips you off.
Slang for something fake, fraudulent, or a con. Often used for products or schemes.
To say something is a rip-off because it's a poor copy of the original.
Commonly used for rip-offs in the sense of plagiarism, copycat products, or knockoffs. Can be used as a noun or verb (パクる).
This game is a rip-off of that famous game.
His design was ripped off.
Means 'fake' or 'counterfeit'. Used for physical goods that are imitations.
Formal term for imitation or counterfeit goods.
ぼったくり is specifically about overcharging. 詐欺 is a broader term for fraud or scams. パクリ refers to plagiarism or knockoffs. Choose based on the type of rip-off.
That shop overcharges (rip-off).
That's a scam (rip-off).
This song is a rip-off (plagiarized).
There is no single Japanese word that covers all meanings of 'rip-off'. Using ぼったくり for a counterfeit product or パクリ for an overpriced meal would be unnatural. Always match the Japanese expression to the specific meaning.
このラーメン、高すぎるよ。ぼったくりじゃない？
This ramen is way too expensive. Isn't it a rip-off?
That hotel charged an exorbitant price.
I was ripped off by that salesman.
この時計、インチキじゃない？
Isn't this watch a rip-off (fake)?
このバッグは偽物だ。
This bag is a rip-off (fake).
模造品の販売は違法です。
Selling rip-offs (counterfeit goods) is illegal.