“Exception” in Japanese is usually 例外 (reigai), meaning something that does not follow the normal rule or pattern.

Quick meaning

  • 例外（れいがい） = exception, special case, something excluded from a rule.
  • It can also mean an exception to a rule in phrases like “There are exceptions to every rule”.

Common related words

  • 以外（いがい） = except, other than.
  • 除く（のぞく） = to exclude, to leave out.
  • 例外なく = without exception.

Example

  • これは例外です。 = “This is an exception.”
  • 月曜日以外は毎日営業しています。 = “We’re open every day except Monday.”

A small but important note: 例外 is the noun for “exception,” while 以外 is more like “except for” or “other than” in everyday usage.