Translation guide
The English verb "appraise" means to assess the value, quality, or nature of something. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 評価する (hyōka suru), but other words like 査定する (satei suru) and 鑑定する (kantei suru) are used in specific contexts such as financial appraisal or expert authentication. This guide covers the main ways to express "appraise" naturally in Japanese.
To evaluate or judge the worth, quality, or performance of something, such as work, art, or a situation.
The most common and versatile word for "appraise" in the sense of evaluating or assessing value, quality, or performance. Used in business, education, and everyday contexts.
上司が私の仕事を評価してくれた。
My boss appraised my work.
この絵の価値を評価するのは難しい。
It's difficult to appraise the value of this painting.
Means "to judge" or "to decide based on evaluation." Often used when appraising a situation or making a decision after assessment.
状況を正しく判断してください。
Please appraise the situation correctly.
Implies a thorough appraisal to ascertain the true nature or value, often after careful observation.
彼の能力を見極める必要がある。
We need to appraise his abilities.
To officially assess the monetary value of an asset, such as real estate, jewelry, or a company.
Used for formal appraisal of financial value, such as by an appraiser or for insurance/tax purposes. Common in real estate and asset valuation.
家の価格を査定してもらった。
I had the house appraised.
宝石の査定を依頼した。
I requested an appraisal of the jewelry.
Often used for expert appraisal of art, antiques, or authenticity. Implies specialized knowledge.
専門家に絵画を鑑定してもらう。
I'll have an expert appraise the painting.
Literally "to estimate the price." More casual and often used when guessing the value, not necessarily official.
彼はその車を値踏みした。
He appraised the car (estimated its value).
To formally evaluate an employee's job performance, often in a corporate setting.
Standard phrase for conducting a performance appraisal or employee evaluation.
年に一度、人事評価を行います。
We conduct performance appraisals once a year.
Specifically refers to evaluating work results or achievements.
上司が部下の業績評価をしている。
The boss is appraising the subordinates' performance.
評価する is the general term for evaluation or appraisal of quality, performance, or abstract value. 査定する is specifically for determining a monetary amount, often by an official appraiser. 鑑定する is used for expert judgment of authenticity, artistic value, or specialized items like antiques.
In everyday conversation, English speakers might say 'appraise the situation' but in Japanese, 状況を評価する can sound stiff. More natural alternatives are 状況を判断する (judge the situation) or 様子を見る (see how things go).