How to say "compliment" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 褒めるほめるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers the verb sense of 'compliment': to praise or speak well of someone. Use this when you actively compliment a person's ability, work, or behavior, as in everyday praise.
- 賛辞さんじnounA noun for a compliment in the sense of words of praise or admiration, typically formal and expressed in speech or writing, such as tribute-like compliments. It denotes the compliment itself, not the act of praising.
- お世辞おせじnounA compliment as flattery: insincere or exaggerated praise said to please someone. For genuine compliments this is not the word you want; it carries the nuance that the praise is not heartfelt.
Use 「褒める」 for the act of praising someone, 賛辞 for formal spoken or written compliments of admiration, and 「お世辞」 when the compliment is flattery rather than sincere praise.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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