Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Flatter" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "flatter", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
胡麻をする
ごまをする (gomawosuru)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
阿る
阿る(おもねる)
C2PLUS / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "flatter" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 胡麻をする and 阿る.
In Japanese, 胡麻をする (ごまをする (gomawosuru)) is typically associated with "to flatter, to suck up" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus..
On the other hand, 阿る (阿る(おもねる)) maps to "to flatter; to curry favor with; to be obsequious" (Syllabus Level: C2PLUS) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2PLUS vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "flatter" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "胡麻をする"
毎日、日本語を練習するために胡麻をする。
Every day, I flatter, to suck up to practice Japanese.
Bilingual Context for "阿る"
毎日、日本語を練習するために阿る。
Every day, I flatter; to curry favor with; to be obsequious to practice Japanese.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "毎日、日本語を練習するために ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "Every day, I flatter, to suck up to practice Japanese.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "胡麻をする" fits here because it means "to flatter, to suck up" in the context of: "Every day, I flatter, to suck up to practice Japanese.". "阿る" represents "to flatter; to curry favor with; to be obsequious".