褒(ほ)める

ほめる
verb (ichidan)
to praise, to compliment
1. to praise, to compliment
To express approval or admiration for someone or their actions.
先生(せんせい)に褒(ほ)められた。
I was praised by the teacher.
Passive form is common
子供(こども)を褒(ほ)めて育(そだ)てる。
Raise children with praise.
よく頑張(がんば)ったね。褒(ほ)めてあげる。
You worked hard. I'll praise you.

TRANSITIVITY: 他動詞(たどうし) (transitive). Pattern: Xを褒(ほ)める (praise X).

ASPECT: ている indicates ongoing or repeated action. 褒(ほ)めている = 'is praising.'

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 人(ひと)を褒(ほ)める (praise someone)
  • 褒(ほ)められる (be praised—passive)
  • 褒(ほ)めて育(そだ)てる (raise with praise)
  • 褒(ほ)め言葉(ことば) (compliment, words of praise)
  • お世辞(せじ)で褒(ほ)める (flatter)

OPPOSITE: 叱(しか)る (to scold)

KANJI NOTE: Can also be written as 誉(ほ)める, but 褒(ほ)める is more common.

REGISTER: Neutral.

Related Words

Antonym: 叱(しか)る (to scold)
general
Added 2026.1.8 21:18 · Revised 2026.3.7 9:53
01000/01204_homeru