Translation guide
To extol means to praise highly and enthusiastically. In Japanese, this can be expressed through verbs like 褒め称える, 絶賛する, or more literary terms like 激賞する. The choice depends on formality, intensity, and context.
Expressing strong admiration or approval for someone or something.
Specifically praising the good qualities or benefits of something.
A natural phrase meaning 'to expound on the greatness of ~'. Used when extolling virtues or merits.
彼は自然食の素晴らしさを説いた。
He extolled the virtues of natural food.
An idiomatic way to express enthusiastic praise, often in a public or poetic manner.
A set phrase meaning 'to sing the praises of' or 'lavish praise on'. Slightly literary but common.
メディアは彼を褒めそやした。
The media sang his praises.
褒める is general 'praise'. 褒め称える is stronger, 'praise highly/extol'. 絶賛する is the strongest, often used for critical acclaim or rave reviews.
Direct translations like 'extol' as a single word are rare in casual Japanese. Use the phrases above depending on context.
A common and natural way to say 'extol' or 'praise highly'. It combines 褒める (praise) and 称える (admire/honor).
彼の勇気を褒め称えた。
They extolled his courage.
先生は生徒の努力を褒め称えた。
The teacher extolled the student's efforts.
Means 'to praise lavishly' or 'rave about'. Often used for public acclaim, reviews, or media praise.
その映画は批評家に絶賛された。
The movie was extolled by critics.
新製品のデザインが絶賛されている。
The design of the new product is being extolled.
A more intense and literary term for 'extol' or 'praise enthusiastically'. Often used in formal writing.
彼の功績は広く激賞された。
His achievements were widely extolled.
Means 'to praise' or 'commend'. Slightly more formal than 褒める, but less intense than 絶賛.
彼のリーダーシップが称賛された。
His leadership was extolled.
A colloquial and emphatic way to say 'praise to the skies'. Can sound exaggerated or informal.
彼女は彼の料理を褒めちぎった。
She extolled his cooking to no end.
Means 'to emphasize the good points of ~'. Suitable for persuasive contexts.
彼女はこの町の良さを力説した。
She extolled the virtues of this town.
Literally 'to lift up', idiomatically means 'to praise excessively' or 'flatter'. Can have a negative nuance of insincere praise.
Can imply flattery or exaggeration, so use carefully.
彼は上司を持ち上げてばかりいる。
He's always singing his boss's praises.