Translation guide
The English word "evaluation" covers a range of meanings from formal assessment to casual judgment. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 評価 (ひょうか), but depending on context, other words like 査定 (さてい), 評定 (ひょうてい), or even verbs like 判断する (はんだんする) may be more natural. This guide helps you choose the right expression.
Expressing a broad, often formal or systematic assessment of something's worth, effectiveness, or quality.
The most common and versatile word for 'evaluation'. Can be used as a noun or with する to form a verb. Suitable for both formal and everyday contexts.
このプロジェクトの評価は高い。
The evaluation of this project is high.
上司が私の仕事を評価してくれた。
My boss evaluated my work positively.
Often used for formal ratings, grading, or scoring, especially in educational or official contexts. Slightly more formal than 評価.
試験の評定が発表された。
The exam evaluations were announced.
Refers to assessment or appraisal, often for financial, insurance, or tax purposes. Implies a detailed examination to determine a value or amount.
保険会社が損害の査定を行った。
The insurance company conducted an evaluation of the damage.
Referring specifically to the formal evaluation of an employee's work performance, often tied to promotions or salary.
The standard term for a human resources performance evaluation. Used in corporate settings.
来週、人事評価の面談があります。
I have a performance evaluation meeting next week.
Focuses on evaluation of work results or achievements. Often used in business contexts.
業績評価に基づいてボーナスが決まる。
Bonuses are determined based on performance evaluations.
Expressing the act of forming an opinion or making a judgment about something, often without formal criteria.
Means 'judgment' or 'decision'. Used when evaluating a situation to make a choice. Often more about discernment than assigning value.
状況を正しく判断する必要がある。
We need to make a correct evaluation of the situation.
Implies a thorough evaluation to ascertain the true nature or potential of something. Often used for assessing people or opportunities.
Referring to the evaluation of students' work, tests, or academic performance.
Specifically refers to grading or academic evaluation. Commonly used in schools and universities.
この授業の成績評価は試験とレポートで行います。
Evaluation for this class will be based on exams and reports.
As above, used for formal ratings or scores, often seen in report cards.
通知表の評定が上がった。
My evaluation on the report card went up.
評価 (ひょうか) is about assigning value or quality, while 判断 (はんだん) is about making a decision or discerning a situation. Use 評価 for performance reviews, product ratings, etc. Use 判断 when you're sizing up a situation to decide what to do.
彼の提案を評価する。
I evaluate his proposal (positively).
彼の提案を判断する。
I judge his proposal (make a decision about it).
While 評価 is the direct translation, in casual conversation Japanese speakers often use more specific verbs like 見る (to see/look at), 考える (to think about), or チェックする (to check) instead of the formal 評価する. For example, 'I'll evaluate the document' might be naturally said as 書類をチェックする (しょるいをチェックする) rather than 書類を評価する.
彼の能力を見極めるのは難しい。
It's difficult to evaluate his abilities.