()(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.
()言葉(ことば)をもらうとうれしい。
I'm happy when I receive compliments.
それは()言葉(ことば)として()()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、()言葉(ことば)をそのまま()()れにくいことがある。
In Japan, modesty is the norm, so it can be hard to accept compliments directly.

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

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • ()言葉(ことば)をもらう: to receive a compliment
  • ()言葉(ことば)として()()る: to take as a compliment
  • 最高(さいこう)()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).