過小評価されている
kashō hyōka sarete iru
The English phrase 'underappreciated' is translated into Japanese as 過小評価されている (kashō hyōka sarete iru).
This phrase is used to describe someone or something that is not recognized or valued enough for the actual quality or importance they possess. While the noun form 過小評価 can refer to a simple underestimation of a quantity or scale, when applied to people or talents, it specifically carries the nuance of being 'undervalued'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from the noun 過小評価 (kashō hyōka), which combines 過小 (under/too small) and 評価 (evaluation/assessment).
Which one should you use?
The phrase 過小評価 on its own means 'underestimation', whereas the full phrase 過小評価されている describes the state of being underappreciated.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 過小評価されている uses the continuous state marker ている (te iru) to describe a current, ongoing state of being underappreciated.
How do you pronounce it?
kashō hyōka sarete iru
Did you know?
- While 過小評価されている is a direct translation, Japanese speakers often use the word 地味 (jimi) to describe an underappreciated person. This word literally means 'plain' or 'sober' but implies a quiet excellence that others often overlook.
- To describe someone who is underappreciated because of bad luck or poor timing rather than a lack of skill, Japanese speakers use the word 不遇 (fuguu).
- The word 過小 (kashō) is the exact opposite of 過大 (kadai), which means 'overestimated'. Both use the character 過 (ka) meaning 'excess', showing that both underestimating and overestimating are seen as 'excessive' errors in judgment.
Examples in context
- 彼の努力は評価されていない。His efforts are not being appreciated.
- 俺の努力って全然評価されてない。My efforts are completely underappreciated.
- 彼の言葉はいつも軽んじられてる。His words are always underestimated.
- この映画は過小評価されていると思う。Kono eiga wa kasoshou hyou sarete iru to omou.I think this movie is underappreciated.
- 彼の才能は過小評価されている。Kare no sainou wa kasoshou hyou sarete iru.His talent is underappreciated.
- あのレストランは過小評価されているね。Ano resutoran wa kasoshou hyou sarete iru ne.That restaurant is underappreciated, isn't it?
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a talented musician at a cafe.
- 陽葵 Himariあの歌手は本当に過小評価されているよね。Ano kashu wa hontou ni kasoshou hyou sarete iru yo ne.That singer is really underappreciated, isn't she?
- 陽太 Yotaそうだね、もっと評価されるべきだよ。Sou da ne, motto hyouka sareru beki da yo.You're right, she should be more highly valued.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太君はどう思う？Youta-kun wa dou omou?What do you think, Youta?
- 陽太 Yota僕も全く同感だよ。Boku mo mattaku doukan da yo.I completely agree.
