Translation guide
The English word "exaggerated" describes something that is overstated, overdone, or made to seem larger, better, worse, or more important than it really is. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adjectives, verbs, and set phrases depending on whether you are describing a statement, a reaction, a physical feature, or a style.
Describing a statement, claim, or description that makes something seem more extreme than it really is.
The most common and versatile word for "exaggerated." It can describe speech, behavior, reactions, or stories. Often used in the phrase 大げさに言う (to exaggerate).
彼の話はいつも大げさだ。
His stories are always exaggerated.
大げさに言えば、これは歴史的な出来事だ。
To exaggerate, this is a historic event.
A more formal or written term, often used for deliberate exaggeration in rhetoric, media, or descriptions. It is the passive form of 誇張する (to exaggerate).
その記事には誇張された表現が多かった。
The article contained many exaggerated expressions.
A casual, colloquial phrase meaning "to embellish a story" or "to make something sound more interesting than it is." Often used among friends.
彼はまた話を盛ってるよ。
He's exaggerating his story again.
A four-character idiom meaning "making a mountain out of a molehill" or "grossly exaggerating." It is literary and not used in everyday conversation.
彼の批判は針小棒大だ。
His criticism is an exaggeration.
Describing a reaction, gesture, or emotional display that is too much for the situation.
Again, 大げさ is the go-to word. It fits perfectly for over-the-top reactions or behavior.
彼女のリアクションはいつも大げさだ。
Her reactions are always exaggerated.
A loanword from English "over," used as a na-adjective to mean "exaggerated" or "over the top." Very common in casual speech.
Describing something visually overstated, such as makeup, clothing, or body parts.
Used for physical features that are deliberately emphasized or distorted, like in caricatures or extreme fashion.
その似顔絵は彼の鼻を誇張して描いていた。
The caricature drew his nose in an exaggerated way.
From French "déformer," used in art and design to mean "stylized" or "distorted for effect." Common in contexts like anime, mascots, or illustrations.
このキャラクターはデフォルメされて描かれている。
This character is drawn in an exaggerated/stylized way.
Can also describe overly dramatic makeup or outfits, though it's less specific than 誇張された.
Describing a manner of speaking or writing that is overly dramatic, flowery, or bombastic.
Similar to 大げさ but often implies a more pompous or theatrical manner, especially in speech or gestures. Slightly formal.
彼は大仰な身振りで話した。
He spoke with exaggerated gestures.
Literally "theatrical," used to describe exaggerated, dramatic behavior or speech as if acting on stage.
彼の謝罪は芝居がかっていて、誠意が感じられなかった。
His apology was exaggerated/theatrical and didn't feel sincere.
The rhetorical device of hyperbole. Used in literary or academic contexts.
大げさ is the everyday word for "exaggerated" and can be used in most situations. 誇張された is more formal and often implies a deliberate act of exaggeration, especially in writing or media. Use 大げさ for casual conversation and 誇張された for essays or news reports.
Avoid directly translating "exaggerated" as 誇張された in casual speech; it can sound stiff or overly technical. Stick with 大げさ or オーバー for natural conversation.
その演技はちょっとオーバーだった。
That performance was a bit exaggerated.
Means "contrived" or "unnaturally exaggerated," often implying insincerity or artificiality. Used for behavior or acting that seems forced.
彼の笑顔はわざとらしかった。
His smile looked exaggerated/forced.
彼女の化粧は大げさすぎる。
Her makeup is too exaggerated.
この詩では誇張法が効果的に使われている。
Hyperbole is used effectively in this poem.