Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Praise" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "praise", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
褒める
ほめる (homeru)
N4 / 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 褒める and もてはやす.
In Japanese, 褒める (ほめる (homeru)) is typically associated with "to praise, to compliment" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Transitive verb. Used to express admiration or approval for someone's actions, qualities, or achievements. Opposite of 叱る.
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 "褒める"
先生が私の絵を褒めてくれました。
The teacher praised my painting for me.
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: "先生が私の絵を褒めてくれました。" (Meaning: "The teacher praised my painting for me.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "褒める" fits here because it means "to praise, to compliment" in the context of: "The teacher praised my painting for me.". "もてはやす" represents "to praise excessively".