Translation guide
To express something in a way that makes it seem more extreme, important, or serious than it really is.
To make something sound bigger, better, worse, or more important than it actually is.
The most direct and common translation for 'exaggerate' or 'overstate'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
彼は自分の成功を誇張して話した。
He overstated his success.
その記事は問題を誇張している。
The article overstates the problem.
Literally 'to say in an exaggerated way'. Very common in casual conversation.
ちょっと大げさに言っただけだよ。
I was just overstating it a bit.
To overestimate or overstate the value, importance, or ability of something. More formal than 誇張する.
彼の影響力を過大評価してはいけない。
We shouldn't overstate his influence.
Slang meaning to embellish or exaggerate a story. Common among younger speakers.
あいつ、また話を盛ってるよ。
He's overstating the story again.
To express an opinion or claim in a way that is too forceful or absolute, often ignoring nuance.
Direct translations like '上に述べる' or '過剰に述べる' are not natural Japanese. Use the options above depending on context.
誇張する is a standard verb for 'exaggerate' and can be used in formal contexts. 大げさに言う is more colloquial and literally means 'to say in a big way'. Both are common, but 誇張する is safer in writing.
Literally 'to say too much'. Used when someone overstates a point or goes too far in their statement.
それは言い過ぎだよ。
That's overstating it.
彼はいつも言い過ぎる傾向がある。
He tends to overstate things.
To state in an exaggerated or bombastic way. Slightly formal.
彼は自分の業績を誇大に言った。
He overstated his achievements.