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.
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.
あのセールスマンに騙された。
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)?
His design was ripped off.
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.