Which one should you use?
While 褒める is used for everyday praise (like a parent to a child or a boss to an employee), 称える is a more formal, literary term used for praising great achievements or virtues. To describe someone being praised excessively or being showered with compliments, use 褒めちぎる.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 褒める can be transformed into different grammatical structures. To say "to be praised," use the passive form 褒められる. If you wish to say "to want to be praised," you add -tai to that passive form to get 褒められたい.
How do you pronounce it?
homeru
When do people say it?
When receiving praise, you may encounter the phrase お褒めの言葉, which translates to "words of praise." Additionally, while not a direct synonym for praise, the word おめでとう is used to say "congratulations."
Did you know?
- The term 褒め殺し literally translates to 'praising to death' and describes the act of using excessive flattery to manipulate someone or make them overconfident.
- While English speakers usually say 'thank you' when praised, Japanese people often respond to 褒める by modestly denying the compliment or downplaying their success.
- Using 褒める can signal a social hierarchy, as the word is most naturally used by a superior, such as a boss or teacher, toward a subordinate.
Examples in context
- 彼女はいつも一生懸命働いているので、褒めてあげましょう。She always works hard, so let's praise her.
- あなたの努力には本当にお褒めの言葉しかありません。There are only words of praise for your efforts.
- このケーキ、すごく美味しい！This cake is incredibly delicious!
- 彼の新しいアート作品はすごく良いよ。His new art piece is really good!
- 卒業おめでとう！素晴らしい成果を収めたね。Congratulations on your graduation! You achieved remarkable results.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are talking about a painting Himari made.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵、この絵は本当に素晴らしいね。Himari, kono e wa hontō ni subarashii ne.Himari, this painting is truly wonderful.
- 陽葵 Himariえっ、本当に？ありがとう！E, hontō ni? Arigatō!What, really? Thank you!
- 蓮 Renたまには褒めることもあるよ。Tamani wa homeru koto mo aru yo.I do give praise once in a while.
- 陽葵 Himari嬉しい！もっと褒めてほしいな。Ureshii! Motto homete hoshii na.I'm happy! I want you to praise me more.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 褒める, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
