Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "褒める", "称賛", "称揚", "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
称賛
しょうさん (shōsan)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
称揚
しょうよう (shōyō)
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", "称賛", "称揚", "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.
- 称賛 (しょうさん (shōsan) - Level: N2): Maps to "praise, admiration, commendation" and is used when 素晴らしい行動や功績に対して、高く評価し、ほめたたえること。公式な場面や、尊敬の念を込めて使われることが多いです。/ To highly evaluate and praise wonderful actions or achievements. Often used in formal settings or with a sense of respect..
- 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。.
- 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 "称賛"
彼の勇気ある行動は、多くの人々から称賛された。
His courageous actions were praised by many people.
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 "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.".