論外

• Reading: ろんがい
• Romaji: rongai
• Kanji breakdown: 論 (ron) — argument, discussion; 外 (gai/soto) — outside
• Pronunciation: /ɾoŋgaɪ/

Meaning

Out of the question; absurd; beyond discussion. Used to dismiss something as too unreasonable to even debate.

A noun (and na-adjective: 論外な) meaning that something falls entirely outside the bounds of legitimate consideration. Stronger and more dismissive than ありえない, it implies that the proposal or idea does not even merit a counter-argument — it is categorically unacceptable. Used in debate, negotiations, and everyday conversation.

Examples

1. 安全基準を満たしていない製品を市場に出すのは論外だ。 Releasing a product that doesn't meet safety standards is out of the question.
2. 締め切りを三週間も過ぎた提出物は論外として受け取れない。 A submission that is three weeks past the deadline is simply unacceptable.
3. 予算ゼロでそれをやれという要求は論外にもほどがある。 Demanding that we do it with zero budget is utterly absurd.

Usage Guide

Context: debate, business, daily life, negotiation

Tone: dismissive

Origin & History

From 論 (argument, discussion) and 外 (outside). The compound literally places the subject 'outside of argument' — not worth debating because it is so clearly wrong or unreasonable.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal