JLPT N3 Vocabulary – Difference between “評価” and “評判”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “評価” and “評判“
2. 評価
3. 評判
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Q: Is there a difference between “評価” and “評判” ?
A: These two words have similar meanings but differ in the contexts in which they are used and their specific definitions.
評価 (JLPT N3)
[Meaning]
① Determining the price or value of an item
② Judging the value, morality, or appearance of a thing or person
③ Recognizing the significance or value of a thing or person
[Commonly Used Words]
高い(high), 低い(low), する(evaluate), 得る(gain), 落とす(lose), つく(attach), 上がる(rise), 下がる(fall), etc.
[Examples]
この絵画の評価額は予想以上でした。（①）
The estimated value of this painting exceeded expectations.
この建築の美しさは世界から評価されています。（②）
The beauty of this architecture is highly regarded worldwide.
彼のプレゼンは評価できる内容でした。（③）
His presentation was commendable and worthy of evaluation.
The basic meaning of “評価” is “to assess the value or merit of a person or thing based on certain criteria.” This evaluation can be either objective or subjective. Although “評価” has three different meanings, all share the commonality of determining the value of a person or thing based on criteria or facts.
[Examples]
ピカソの作品は、彼が亡くなってから評価額が上がりました。
Picasso’s works have increased in value after his passing.
⇒ This indicates that the value (price) of Picasso’s works has risen.
日本料理はその美しさから無形文化遺産に認定されるほど評価されています。
Japanese cuisine is highly regarded for its beauty and has been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage.
⇒ This reflects the value attributed to the beauty (appearance) of Japanese cuisine.
彼は仕事ぶりが評価され、来年昇給することになりました。
His work performance was appreciated, and he is set to receive a raise next year.
⇒ This means his work’s significance and value were acknowledged.
評判 (JLPT N3)
[Meaning]
①To evaluate or judge the merits and demerits of something or someone as discussed by the public
②To refer to something or someone being rumored or talked about in society
③To describe something or someone that has become the center of public attention or is well-known
[Commonly Used Words]
いい(good), 悪い(bad), なる(become),呼ぶ(call), 落とす(lose), 下がる(decline), 聞く(hear), 広まる(spread), etc.
[Examples]
ある出来事でレストランは評判を落としてしまいました。（①）
Due to a certain incident, the restaurant’s reputation was tarnished.
悪い評判が広まった結果、客足が減り、レストランは閉店を余儀なくされました。（②）
As a result of bad reviews spreading, customer numbers declined, and the restaurant was forced to close.
今年評判になったこの映画は、多くの人に感動を与えました。（③）
This year’s highly acclaimed movie moved many people.
On the other hand, “評判” refers to impressions or rumors that have spread among people, rather than judgments based on “standards.”
It is often characterized by the reflection of general impressions or opinions.
[Examples]
このレストランの味は評判がいいです。
The taste of this restaurant is highly regarded.
⇒ Refers to positive evaluations or opinions about the restaurant’s taste.
良い評判より悪い評判のほうが早く伝わってしまうものです。
Bad reputations tend to spread faster than good ones.
⇒ Describes how societal rumors about good or bad things are shared.
この料理の本は評判がいいらしいから買ってみよう。
It seems this cookbook has a good reputation, so I’ll give it a try.
⇒ Indicates that the cookbook is highly regarded and has received positive attention from the public.
Let’s Compare
What do you think is the most suitable term for the following review: “評価” or “評判“?
The correct answer is “評価“
The review highlights the staff’s “kindness” and describes the food as “delicious and excellent,” which expresses value and judgment, making “評価” the appropriate choice.
Let’s try another challenge.
Which term, “評価” or “評判,” best fits the conversation between these two people?
The correct answer is “評判“
Since the discussion involves impressions and opinions exchanged between individuals, “評判” is the more suitable term.
Summary
[評価]
- Based on “the act of determining the value or merit of things or people by comparing them against a certain standard,” it has three meanings:
- ① Determining the price or value of an item.
- ② Judging the good or bad aspects, or appearance, of something or someone.
- ③ Recognizing the significance or value of something or someone.
[評判]
- Refers to “impressions or rumors spread among people,” and has three meanings:
- ① The act of people in society judging and determining good or bad.
- ② Being talked about or rumored in society.
- ③ Becoming the center of public attention or being well-known.
- General impressions or opinions are often reflected in “評判.”
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. 評価
古い絵を売ったら、高い評価がつきました。
When I sold the old painting, it received a high evaluation.
*The painting was given a high price, so “評価” is the correct answer.
A. 評価
デザインした服が評価されて、賞をもらいました。
The clothes I designed were evaluated highly, and I received an award.
*The value and significance of the designed clothes were recognized, so “評価” is the correct answer.
A. 評判
会社で評判がいいレストランへ行ってみました。
I went to a restaurant with a good reputation at my company.
*It was something discussed within the company, so “評判” is the correct answer.
A. 評判
この小説家の新しい作品は評判にはなりませんでした。
The new work by this novelist did not gain any reputation.
*It did not become a topic of public interest, so “評判” is the correct answer.
