Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Flattery" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "flattery", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
お世辞
おせじ (oseji)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
追従
ついしょう (tsuishō)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "flattery" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between お世辞 and 追従.
In Japanese, お世辞 (おせじ (oseji)) is typically associated with "flattery; compliment; sweet talk" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to flattery, compliments, or saying nice things to please someone or gain favor. Often used as お世辞を言う.
On the other hand, 追従 (ついしょう (tsuishō)) maps to "flattery, fawning, sycophancy, following blindly" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Used to describe behavior where one agrees with or praises someone excessively, often insincerely, to gain favor. Can also mean to follow in someone's footsteps. A literal translation of "flattery" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "お世辞"
彼の褒め言葉は明らかな_______でしたが、悪い気はしませんでした。
His compliments were obvious flattery, but I did not feel bad.
Bilingual Context for "追従"
彼は上司に追従ばかりしている。
He only flatters his boss.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の褒め言葉は明らかな_______でしたが、悪い気はしませんでした。" (Meaning: "His compliments were obvious flattery, but I did not feel bad.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "お世辞" fits here because it means "flattery; compliment; sweet talk" in the context of: "His compliments were obvious flattery, but I did not feel bad.". "追従" represents "flattery, fawning, sycophancy, following blindly".