Translation guide
Ways to express overestimation in Japanese, from direct nouns to common verbal phrases and warnings about literal translations.
Expressing that someone has estimated something too highly, as a general concept or result.
Saying that you or someone else has overestimated a person, ability, value, etc.
I overestimated him. · Don't overestimate your strength.
The verb form of 過大評価. The most direct and common way to say 'to overestimate'.
彼を過大評価していた。
I overestimated him.
Common expressions used to warn someone not to overestimate something.
A straightforward warning pattern: 'You must not overestimate ~'.
相手を過大評価してはいけない。
Don't overestimate your opponent.
Avoid directly translating 'overestimation' as 上評価 or similar made-up compounds. Stick to 過大評価 or the verb phrases above.
買いかぶる is more personal and often implies a mistaken high opinion of a person. 過大評価する is more neutral and can be used for abilities, values, risks, etc.
The standard noun meaning 'overestimation' or 'overrating'. Used in both formal and everyday contexts.
それは過大評価だ。
That's an overestimation.
彼の能力の過大評価は危険だ。
Overestimation of his abilities is dangerous.
A slightly more formal or written term for overestimation, often used in analytical contexts.
リスクの過大視は判断を誤らせる。
Overestimation of risk leads to poor judgment.
You must not overestimate your own strength.
A very common, slightly casual verb meaning to overestimate or think too highly of someone. Often used when you realize someone isn't as good as you thought.
彼のこと買いかぶりすぎだよ。
You're overestimating him too much.
私が買いかぶられていただけです。
I was just overestimated (people thought too highly of me).
Literally 'to estimate high'. Used for numerical estimates, costs, time, etc. More concrete than 過大評価.
費用を高く見積もりすぎた。
I overestimated the cost.
To overtrust or have excessive confidence in something/someone. Implies relying too much on it.
自分の体力を過信してはいけない。
Don't overestimate your physical strength (don't be overconfident in it).
A more colloquial warning using 買いかぶる.
彼を買いかぶってはいけないよ。
Don't overestimate him.