褒(ほ)め言 葉(ことば)

ほめことば

noun

compliment; words of praise

1. compliment; words of praise

An expression of admiration, approval, or commendation.

褒(ほ)め言葉(ことば)をもらうとうれしい。

I'm happy when I receive compliments.

それは褒(ほ)め言葉(ことば)として受(う)け取(と)っておきます。

I'll take that as a compliment.

日本(にほん)では謙遜(けんそん)するのが普通(ふつう)なので、褒(ほ)め言葉(ことば)をそのまま受(う)け入(い)れにくいことがある。

In Japan, modesty is the norm, so it can be hard to accept compliments directly.

褒(ほ)め言葉(ことば) is a compound of 褒(ほ)める (to praise) + 言葉(ことば) (words).

Common expressions

褒(ほ)め言葉(ことば)をもらう: to receive a compliment
褒(ほ)め言葉(ことば)として受(う)け取(と)る: to take as a compliment
最高(さいこう)の褒(ほ)め言葉(ことば): the highest compliment

Cultural note

In Japanese culture, when complimented, the typical response is to deflect or deny rather than say "thank you." Common responses include いえいえ (no, no) or そんなことないです (that's not true).

general

Added 2026.3.25 22:28 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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