Translation guide
A person who flatters powerful people to gain advantage. Japanese has several terms, ranging from historical to modern, and often uses descriptive phrases.
Describing someone who uses insincere praise to get ahead, especially in a workplace or political setting.
Emphasizing the dishonesty and manipulation behind the flattery.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'a person who gives flattery'. Natural and widely understood.
彼はいつもお世辞を言う人だ。
He's always flattering people.
Referring to the ancient Greek meaning of a professional informer or denouncer.
Means 'informer' or 'denouncer', used in historical or legal contexts. Not a direct equivalent but captures the ancient Greek sycophant's role.
古代アテネの密告者はシュコファンテースと呼ばれた。
Informers in ancient Athens were called sycophants.
ごますり implies a habitual, often insincere flattery aimed at gaining favor, while お世辞 can be a simple compliment or polite flattery without necessarily being manipulative.
The English word 'sycophant' is not commonly used in everyday conversation. In Japanese, directly translating it as 追従者 may sound overly formal or literary. Use ごますり or descriptive phrases for natural speech.
He's always sucking up to his boss.
A more formal term for a sycophant or flatterer, often used in written contexts.
彼は権力者の追従者に過ぎない。
He is nothing more than a sycophant to those in power.
Literally 'drum bearer', a traditional term for a professional flatterer or entertainer who praises patrons. Now used figuratively for a sycophant.
彼は社長の太鼓持ちだ。
He's the president's sycophant.
A colloquial term for someone who uses flattery, similar to 'bootlicker'.
あの新人はおべっか使いで嫌われる。
That new guy is disliked because he's a bootlicker.