synonym Comparative
お世辞
VS
追従
Differences Between "お世辞" and "追従"
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
追従
Meaning
flattery, fawning, sycophancy, following blindly
Reading
ついしょう (tsuishō)
Syllabus Level
N1
Practical Example
彼は上司に追従ばかりしている。
He only flatters his boss.
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？』
- 追従: Used to describe behavior where one agrees with or praises someone excessively, often insincerely, to gain favor. Can also mean to follow in someone's footsteps (less common in N1 context).
- 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？』
- 追従: Used to describe behavior where one agrees with or praises someone excessively, often insincerely, to gain favor. Can also mean to follow in someone's footsteps (less common in N1 context).
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