Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "褒める", "称揚", "褒貶", "もてはやす"
All represent the core concept "praise", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
褒める
ほめる (homeru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
称揚
しょうよう (shōyō)
N1 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
褒貶
ほうへん (houhen)
N1 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
もてはやす
もてはやす (motehayasu)
C1 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "praise" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "褒める", "称揚", "褒貶", "もてはやす" based on context.
- 褒める (ほめる (homeru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to praise, to compliment" and is used when Transitive verb. Used to express admiration or approval for someone's actions, qualities, or achievements. Opposite of 叱る.
- 称揚 (しょうよう (shōyō) - Level: N1): Maps to "praise, extol, laud, commend" and is used when 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。.
- 褒貶 (ほうへん (houhen) - Level: N1): Maps to "praise and criticism, evaluation, assessment (both positive and negative)" and is used when Encompasses both positive appraisal.
- もてはやす (もてはやす (motehayasu) - Level: C1): Maps to "to praise excessively" and is used when Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus..
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.
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.
Context for "褒貶"
彼の新作映画は、公開後、多くの褒貶が入り乱れた。
His new film received a mixture of praise and criticism after its release.
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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
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" is correct here because it represents "to praise, to compliment" in the context: "The teacher praised my painting for me.".