過小(かしょう)

かしょう
noun, na-adjective
too small; underestimation; insufficiency
quantity
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(ひがい)を過小(かしょう)評価(ひょうか)してはいけない。
You must not underestimate the damage.
自分(じぶん)の能力(のうりょく)を過小(かしょう)に見積(みつ)もる傾向(けいこう)がある。
I have a tendency to underestimate my own abilities.
報告書(ほうこくしょ)では実際(じっさい)の数値(すうち)より過小(かしょう)な見積(みつ)もりが示(しめ)されていたため、再調査(さいちょうさ)が必要(ひつよう)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(か) (excess, going beyond) and 小(しょう) (small) — literally "excessively small."

Usage

  • Most commonly appears in the compound 過小(かしょう)評価(ひょうか) (underestimation)
  • Functions as a noun or a prefix-like modifier with な or に
  • The opposite is 過大(かだい) (overestimation, too large)
  • Used in formal and analytical writing more than in casual conversation

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 過大(かだい): too large, overestimation — the opposite
  • 過剰(かじょう): excessive, surplus — emphasizes having too much
  • 不足(ふそく): shortage, insufficiency — focuses on lacking rather than being evaluated too low

Related Words

Compare: 過剰(かじょう) (excessive, surplus)
Compare: 不足(ふそく) (shortage, insufficiency)
general
Added 2026.4.3 7:13 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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