Translation guide
Expressing approval, admiration, or commendation toward someone or something.
To express that someone or something is good, well done, or admirable.
The most common and versatile verb for praising someone or something. Can be used in casual and polite contexts.
先生が生徒を褒めた。
The teacher praised the student.
彼女はよく人を褒める。
She often praises people.
A noun meaning 'words of praise' or 'compliment'. Used when referring to the act or content of praising.
彼は褒め言葉に弱い。
He is susceptible to praise.
A formal term for praise or admiration, often used in speeches, articles, or official contexts.
彼の勇気は広く称賛された。
His courage was widely praised.
To praise a specific attribute like looks, ability, or performance.
Same verb as above, but used with specific objects like 髪型 (hairstyle) or 料理 (cooking).
その髪型、すごくいいね。
That hairstyle looks great on you!
料理を褒められて嬉しかった。
I was happy to be praised for my cooking.
A common casual compliment meaning 'You're good at this!' Often used for skills.
ピアノ上手だね！
You're good at piano!
To acknowledge someone's effort, often in work or study contexts.
A very common way to praise effort, meaning 'You did well' or 'You worked hard.' Casual.
今日は本当に頑張ったね。
You really worked hard today.
Used to acknowledge someone's hard work, often at the end of a task or workday. Can imply praise for effort.
お疲れ様、今日はよくやったね。
Good job today, you did well.
To praise a deity or highly esteemed figure in a reverent manner.
Used for praising God or in hymns. Strongly associated with Christian contexts.
教会で神を賛美する。
They praise God at church.
A literary term for praising or extolling someone's virtues or achievements, often used in formal writing.
彼の功績を称える。
Praise his achievements.
In everyday Japanese, directly saying 'I praise you' (褒める) can sound awkward or overly formal. Instead, use specific compliments like 上手だね or 頑張ったね.
すごいね！
That's amazing! (natural praise)
褒める is the everyday verb for praise. 称賛する is formal and often used in written or public contexts, like praising a heroic act.