Translation guide
The English verb 'exaggerate' means to represent something as larger, better, worse, or more important than it really is. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through several common verbs and phrases, each with slightly different nuances and levels of formality.
He exaggerated his success when he talked about it.
I think that story is a bit exaggerated.
A very common, slightly more casual way to say 'exaggerate'. Literally 'to say in a big way'. Often used when someone is being overly dramatic.
He always exaggerates, so you shouldn't believe him too much.
I was just exaggerating a little.
A colloquial, slangy expression meaning 'to embellish a story' or 'to pile it on'. Very common in casual conversation among younger people.
You're definitely exaggerating that story.
A more formal or literary term, often used in written language or news reports. '誇大' means 'exaggeration' or 'overstatement'.
The newspaper reported the incident in an exaggerated manner.
To stress something too much, making it seem more important than it is.
To overstate or caricature a physical characteristic, gesture, or movement.
Same word as above, but used for physical exaggeration, such as in acting or drawing.
Manga artists exaggerate the features of their characters.
From French 'déformer', used specifically in art and design to mean stylized exaggeration or deformation. Common in anime/manga contexts.
Both mean 'to exaggerate', but 誇張する is more formal and often used in writing or serious contexts. 大げさに言う is more conversational and implies a dramatic or over-the-top way of speaking. In casual speech, 大げさに言う is more natural.
He always exaggerates (in a dramatic way).
In the report, the damage was exaggerated.
In English, 'exaggerate' can be used lightly ('I'm exaggerating a bit'). In Japanese, directly translating this with 誇張する might sound too stiff. Use 大げさに言う or 話を盛る for casual self-deprecation.
Don't exaggerate!
Casual, natural way to tell someone not to exaggerate.
She exaggerates small mistakes.
This character is drawn in an exaggerated, stylized way.