Translation guide
How to express that something or someone meets expectations in Japanese, from neutral fulfillment to exceeding or falling short.
To say that something or someone fulfills what was expected, without implying exceeding.
Literally 'to respond to expectations'. A common, natural way to say someone or something met expectations. Often used for people or performance.
彼は期待に応える結果を出した。
He produced results that met expectations.
新製品は消費者の期待に応えた。
The new product met consumer expectations.
Means 'as expected' or 'just as expected'. Used as an adverb or adjective. Very common and neutral.
結果は期待通りだった。
The results were as expected.
期待通りのパフォーマンスを見せた。
They showed performance that met expectations.
Literally 'to go along with expectations'. Slightly more formal than 応える. Often used in business contexts.
ご期待に沿えるよう努力します。
We will strive to meet your expectations.
Literally 'passing mark'. Used metaphorically to mean something barely meets expectations or is acceptable. Often used in evaluations.
彼のプレゼンは及第点だった。
His presentation met the minimum expectations.
To say that something or someone goes beyond what was expected.
Means 'more than expected' or 'beyond expectations'. Very common and versatile.
結果は期待以上だった。
The results exceeded expectations.
期待以上の成果を上げた。
We achieved results beyond expectations.
Literally 'to surpass expectations'. Slightly more formal, often used in business or news.
売上は期待を上回った。
Sales exceeded expectations.
Similar to 上回る, meaning 'to exceed expectations'. Can be used in various contexts.
彼の活躍は期待を超えていた。
His performance exceeded expectations.
To say that something or someone did not meet expectations.
Means 'disappointing' or 'not living up to expectations'. Can be used as a noun or adjective.
結果は期待外れだった。
The results were disappointing / fell short of expectations.
期待外れの映画だった。
The movie didn't meet expectations.
Negative form of 期待に応える. Means 'cannot meet expectations'. Often used to express inability or failure.
ご期待に応えられず申し訳ありません。
We apologize for not meeting your expectations.
Literally 'to fall below expectations'. Formal, often used in reports or statistics.
利益は期待を下回った。
Profits fell short of expectations.
To say that someone fulfills the hopes or standards set for them, often in a role or over time.
Similar to 沿う but often used for living up to someone's hopes or trust. Common in formal apologies or promises.
皆様の期待に添えるよう頑張ります。
I will do my best to live up to everyone's expectations.
Literally 'not betray expectations'. A stronger, more dramatic way to say someone lived up to expectations. Often used in literary or emotional contexts.
彼は期待に背かない男だ。
He is a man who lives up to expectations.
Both mean 'to meet expectations', but 応える (こたえる) is more about responding to expectations with results, while 沿う (そう) is about aligning with expectations or wishes. 沿う is slightly more formal and often used in business settings.
期待に応えるために全力を尽くす。
I will do my best to meet expectations.
ご期待に沿える商品を提供します。
We provide products that meet your expectations.
The English phrase 'meet expectations' cannot be directly translated word-for-word into natural Japanese. Avoid expressions like 期待を会う (きたいをあう) or 期待をミートする. Use the phrases listed above instead.