N3
おせじ (oseji)
お世辞
flattery; compliment; sweet talk
💡 Nuance & Usage:
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？』
📝 Example Sentences
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.
Practice Quiz
Test your understanding of "お世辞"!
商談をスムーズに進めるために、相手のセンスを_______でも褒めることがよくあります。
🎉 正解 / Correct!
日本語: 相手を喜ばせるおべっか「お世辞（でも）」が正解です。ハルカ部長：『お世辞でも褒める！ビジネスの基本ね！でも、私があんたにかける「仕事がよくできるようになったわね」っていう言葉は、お世辞じゃなくて本音よ！』
English: Since it represents flattery to please someone, 'flattery/compliment' (oseji) is correct. Haruka: 'Praising even as flattery! Basics of business! But, that word I say to you "You've become really good at work" isn't flattery—it's my real voice!'
English: Since it represents flattery to please someone, 'flattery/compliment' (oseji) is correct. Haruka: 'Praising even as flattery! Basics of business! But, that word I say to you "You've become really good at work" isn't flattery—it's my real voice!'
🦅
Want to pass the JLPT exam?
Project Eagle analyzes your personal weaknesses using advanced AI. Practice thousands of N5 to N1 questions completely for free!