Describes something outrageously extreme in degree, often with a negative or emphatic tone. Used as a na-adjective or adverbially.
Used for situations, ideas, or behavior that are senseless or beyond reason. Often carries a critical or mocking tone.
Derogatory noun for a foolish person. Strongly insulting; not for polite conversation.
It's ridiculously hot today.
I ended up buying a watch at an outrageous price.
Is there such a ridiculous story?
His argument is absurd.
Don't leave it to such an idiot.
べらぼう is a colloquial, emotionally charged way to call a price absurdly high, whereas 法外 is more neutral and commonly used in writing or formal complaints.
Standard kana spelling; the word is usually written in kana.
Ateji kanji form; rarely used.
Search-only kanji form; not a standard spelling.
Katakana spelling used for emphasis or in casual writing.
Ateji kanji form; rarely used.
Rare kanji form.
The origin is uncertain. It may derive from べら (a pejorative prefix) combined with 棒 (ぼう, 'stick' or 'fellow'), but the exact derivation is unclear. The kanji forms are ateji.