synonym Comparative
お世辞
VS
風評
Differences Between "お世辞" and "風評"
Option A
お世辞
Meaning
flattery; compliment; sweet talk
Reading
おせじ (oseji)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
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.
Option B
風評
Meaning
rumor, reputation (often negative), public talk
Reading
ふうひょう (fūhyō)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
悪い風評が広がり、その地域の観光客が減少した。
Negative rumors spread, and the number of tourists in that area decreased.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(flattery; compliment; sweet talk)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- お世辞: Refers to flattery, compliments, or saying nice things to please someone or gain favor. Often used as お世辞を言う (to flatter) or お世辞にも〜とは言えない (cannot be said to be... even as flattery). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Flattery? 'You look beautiful today, Haruka-san'?! ...っ, D-Don't think you can get away with mistakes by using such cheap flattery! ...But... tell me again later when we're alone.' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『お世辞？！『今日も綺麗ですね、ハルカさん』なんてお世辞言っても、仕事のミスはチャラにならないわよ！…でもね、二人きりの時なら、もう一回言っても…いいわよ？』
- 風評: Often refers to potentially damaging rumors or negative public perception, especially concerning products, places, or people, which may or may not be true. Differs from a simple 'rumor' (噂 - uwasa) by implying a broader public impact or damage to reputation. 事実に基づかない、あるいは事実と異なる情報が広まり、商品、地域、人物などの評判に悪影響を与える可能性があるものを指します。「噂（うわさ）」よりも、より広範な影響や評判への損害を含意します。
- お世辞: Refers to flattery, compliments, or saying nice things to please someone or gain favor. Often used as お世辞を言う (to flatter) or お世辞にも〜とは言えない (cannot be said to be... even as flattery). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Flattery? 'You look beautiful today, Haruka-san'?! ...っ, D-Don't think you can get away with mistakes by using such cheap flattery! ...But... tell me again later when we're alone.' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『お世辞？！『今日も綺麗ですね、ハルカさん』なんてお世辞言っても、仕事のミスはチャラにならないわよ！…でもね、二人きりの時なら、もう一回言っても…いいわよ？』
- 風評: Often refers to potentially damaging rumors or negative public perception, especially concerning products, places, or people, which may or may not be true. Differs from a simple 'rumor' (噂 - uwasa) by implying a broader public impact or damage to reputation. 事実に基づかない、あるいは事実と異なる情報が広まり、商品、地域、人物などの評判に悪影響を与える可能性があるものを指します。「噂（うわさ）」よりも、より広範な影響や評判への損害を含意します。
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