Translation guide
The English word "evaluation" covers a range of meanings from formal assessment to casual judgment. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 評価 (ひょうか), but depending on context, other words like 査定 (さてい), 評定 (ひょうてい), or even verbs like 判断する (はんだんする) may be more natural. This guide helps you choose the right expression.
Expressing a broad, often formal or systematic assessment of something's worth, effectiveness, or quality.
The most common and versatile word for 'evaluation'. Can be used as a noun or with する to form a verb. Suitable for both formal and everyday contexts.
The evaluation of this project is high.
My boss evaluated my work positively.
Often used for formal ratings, grading, or scoring, especially in educational or official contexts. Slightly more formal than 評価.
The exam evaluations were announced.
Refers to assessment or appraisal, often for financial, insurance, or tax purposes. Implies a detailed examination to determine a value or amount.
The insurance company conducted an evaluation of the damage.
Referring specifically to the formal evaluation of an employee's work performance, often tied to promotions or salary.
Expressing the act of forming an opinion or making a judgment about something, often without formal criteria.
Means 'judgment' or 'decision'. Used when evaluating a situation to make a choice. Often more about discernment than assigning value.
We need to make a correct evaluation of the situation.
Implies a thorough evaluation to ascertain the true nature or potential of something. Often used for assessing people or opportunities.
Referring to the evaluation of students' work, tests, or academic performance.
評価 (ひょうか) is about assigning value or quality, while 判断 (はんだん) is about making a decision or discerning a situation. Use 評価 for performance reviews, product ratings, etc. Use 判断 when you're sizing up a situation to decide what to do.
I evaluate his proposal (positively).
I judge his proposal (make a decision about it).
While 評価 is the direct translation, in casual conversation Japanese speakers often use more specific verbs like 見る (to see/look at), 考える (to think about), or チェックする (to check) instead of the formal 評価する. For example, 'I'll evaluate the document' might be naturally said as 書類をチェックする (しょるいをチェックする) rather than 書類を評価する.
Bonuses are determined based on performance evaluations.
彼の能力を見極めるのは難しい。
It's difficult to evaluate his abilities.
My evaluation on the report card went up.