Translation guide
How to express that someone is surpassed, beaten, or shown up by another person in Japanese. The most natural expressions depend on whether you're talking about skill, effort, or being made to look bad.
To say that someone is outdone or outperformed by another person in terms of skill, talent, or ability.
The most common and versatile way to say someone is beaten or outdone. Can be used for competitions, comparisons of skill, or even in arguments.
He won't be outdone by anyone in tennis.
I'm outdone by your cooking skills.
Expresses that someone is no match for another; they simply cannot compete or compare. Often used when the difference in ability is large.
I can't compete with his knowledge. (I'm outdone by his knowledge.)
I'm no match for that person in speed.
A more formal or written way to say someone is inferior or falls short compared to another. Often used in objective comparisons.
He is outdone by his senior in experience.
To express that someone's effort, enthusiasm, or dedication is surpassed by another, often in a positive or admiring way.
A set phrase meaning 'equally good' or 'not outdone by'. It's used to say two things are on par, neither is inferior. Often used positively.
The two are evenly matched in ability. (Neither is outdone by the other.)
Literally 'not losing', used to say someone is not outdone in a particular aspect, often enthusiasm or passion.
Her enthusiasm is not outdone by anyone.
To express that someone is outdone in a way that makes them look bad or embarrassed, often in a social situation.
To lose face; to be outdone in a way that damages one's reputation or pride. Stronger than just being beaten.
He was shown up at the meeting. (He lost face.)
To be talked down or argued into a corner; to be outdone in a debate or argument, leaving you with no comeback.
I was outdone by him and couldn't say anything.
An idiomatic expression meaning to be outwitted or have one's thunder stolen; to be shown up unexpectedly.
I was shown up by the new guy.