夸大

• Pinyin: kuā dà
• Hanzi breakdown: 夸 = boast; 大 = big

Meaning

To exaggerate; to overstate; to magnify. Making something seem larger or more important than it is.

Often used to describe inflating facts, achievements, or problems beyond their actual scale. Can be neutral or negative depending on context. Commonly seen in phrases like 夸大其词 (exaggerate in words).

Examples

1. 媒体报道夸大了这次事故的严重程度。 The media coverage exaggerated the severity of this accident.
2. 他有夸大事实的习惯，说的话只能信一半。 He has a habit of exaggerating facts — you can only believe half of what he says.
3. 不要夸大困难，也不要低估风险。 Don't overstate the difficulties, but don't underestimate the risks either.

Usage Guide

Context: criticism, media, discussion

Tone: critical

Do Say

• 这个数据被夸大了。(This data has been exaggerated.)
• 不要夸大问题的严重性。(Don't exaggerate the severity of the problem.)

Don't Say

• 用夸大作为褒义词。(夸大 is generally negative or neutral, implying distortion — don't use it positively)

Origin & History

Compound of 夸 (boast) + 大 (big). Literally 'to boast big' or 'make big.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal