法 外(ほうがい)

ほうがい

na-adjective

outrageous; exorbitant; unreasonable

1. outrageous; exorbitant; unreasonable; absurd

Describes something that goes far beyond what is normal, acceptable, or reasonable. Most commonly used about prices, demands, or amounts that are shockingly excessive.

法外(ほうがい)な値段(ねだん)だ。

That's an outrageous price.

法外(ほうがい)な料金(りょうきん)を請求(せいきゅう)された。

I was charged an exorbitant fee.

あの店(みせ)は観光客(かんこうきゃく)に法外(ほうがい)な金額(きんがく)を吹(ふ)っかけることで有名(ゆうめい)だ。

That shop is famous for ripping off tourists with exorbitant prices.

A な-adjective literally meaning 'outside the law' (法(ほう) law + 外(がい) outside), suggesting something that exceeds the bounds of what is acceptable. Despite the literal meaning, it is not a legal term — it describes extremes in everyday contexts, especially regarding money.

Common collocations

法外(ほうがい)な値段(ねだん): outrageous price
法外(ほうがい)な料金(りょうきん): exorbitant fee
法外(ほうがい)な要求(ようきゅう): unreasonable demand
法外(ほうがい)な利息(りそく): exorbitant interest

Similar words

高額(こうがく): high amount — neutral, factual description of a large sum
不当(ふとう): unjust, unfair — broader meaning, not limited to excessive amounts
途方(とほう)もない: extraordinary, incredible — can be positive or negative

Related Words

Compare: 高額(こうがく) (high amount)

Compare: 不当(ふとう) (unjust, unfair)

Compare: 途方(とほう)もない (extraordinary, incredible)

Compare: 激高(げきたか) (extremely expensive)

general

Added 2026.3.29 6:11 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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