1.
too small; too little; underestimation
Describes something being smaller or less significant than it actually is, or the act of judging something as less important than it really is. The opposite of overestimation.
被害を過小評価してはいけない。
You must not underestimate the damage.
自分の能力を過小に見積もる傾向がある。
I have a tendency to underestimate my own abilities.
報告書では実際の数値より過小な見積もりが示されていたため、再調査が必要になった。
Because the report showed estimates that were too low compared to the actual figures, a re-investigation became necessary.
Means something is smaller or less than it should be, or that something is being evaluated as less significant than it really is. Combines 過 (excess, going beyond) and 小 (small) — literally "excessively small."
USAGE:
- Most commonly appears in the compound 過小評価 (underestimation)
- Functions as a noun or a prefix-like modifier with な or に
- The opposite is 過大 (overestimation, too large)
- Used in formal and analytical writing more than in casual conversation
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 過小評価: underestimation
- 過小評価する: to underestimate
- 過小な見積もり: an underestimate
- 過小申告: underreporting (e.g., taxes, income)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 過大: too large, overestimation — the opposite
- 過剰: excessive, surplus — emphasizes having too much
- 不足: shortage, insufficiency — focuses on lacking rather than being evaluated too low