低估

• Pinyin: dī gū
• Hanzi breakdown: 低 = 亻 + 氐 (person + clan = to be lower); 估 = 亻 + 古 (person + ancient = to estimate)

Meaning

To underestimate; to undervalue. To assess something or someone as less capable, important, or significant than they actually are.

Commonly used in business, strategy, and self-reflection contexts. Often paired with warnings not to underestimate opponents, risks, or one's own potential. The opposite is 高估 (to overestimate).

Examples

1. 许多投资者低估了市场风险，最终蒙受了巨大损失。 Many investors underestimated market risk and ended up suffering huge losses.
2. 不要低估这位年轻选手的实力，他曾击败过多位冠军。 Don’t underestimate this young athlete’s ability—he has defeated several champions.
3. 我们不能低估技术革新对传统行业的颠覆性影响。 We can’t underestimate the disruptive impact that technological innovation has on traditional industries.

Usage Guide

Context: business, strategy, self-improvement, analysis

Tone: cautionary

Do Say

• 千万不要低估你的对手，轻敌往往是失败的根源。(Never underestimate your opponent — overconfidence is often the root cause of failure.)
• 团队低估了项目的复杂程度，导致工期大幅延误。(The team underestimated the complexity of the project, causing significant delays in the schedule.)

Don't Say

• 他低估了我的想法 — use 他低估了我的能力 or 他没有重视我的想法; 低估 pairs naturally with abilities, risks, and challenges, not abstract 'ideas'

Origin & History

低 (low) + 估 (estimate/assess)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal