Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Praise" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "praise", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
称揚
しょうよう (shōyō)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
もてはやす
もてはやす (motehayasu)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "praise" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 称揚 and もてはやす.
In Japanese, 称揚 (しょうよう (shōyō)) is typically associated with "praise, extol, laud, commend" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents A somewhat formal and often literary term for highly praising or glorifying someone/something. 「功績を称揚する」のように使われます。.
On the other hand, もてはやす (もてはやす (motehayasu)) maps to "to praise excessively" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "praise" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "称揚"
彼の長年の功績は、広く称揚されるべきだ。
His long years of achievements should be widely praised.
Bilingual Context for "もてはやす"
毎日、日本語を練習するためにもてはやす。
Every day, I praise excessively to practice Japanese.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の長年の功績は、広く ＿＿＿ されるべきだ。" (Meaning: "His long years of achievements should be widely praised.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "称揚" fits here because it means "praise, extol, laud, commend" in the context of: "His long years of achievements should be widely praised.". "もてはやす" represents "to praise excessively".