Translation guide
How to express praise, formal recognition, or an official award in Japanese, from casual compliments to ceremonial honors.
Expressing personal admiration or approval for someone's actions, character, or achievements in everyday conversation.
A general term for words of praise or a compliment. Suitable for most situations.
Referring to an official commendation, certificate, or public recognition from an organization or authority.
Expressing that someone or something is worthy of trust or selection, often in a professional context.
表彰 is a formal, often public commendation with a certificate or ceremony. 褒める is casual, personal praise. Use 表彰 for official recognition, 褒める for everyday compliments.
社長が社員を表彰した。
The president gave the employee a formal commendation.
母が私の料理を褒めてくれた。
My mother praised my cooking.
The English word 'commendation' covers both casual praise and formal awards. In Japanese, you must choose the right word based on context. Using 表彰 for a casual compliment sounds overly stiff, while 褒め言葉 for an official award may seem too light.
上司がプロジェクトの成功を褒めてくれた。
His boss gave him a commendation for the successful project.
Casual praise in a workplace
彼はよく褒め言葉をくれる。
He often gives me compliments.
The verb 'to praise' or 'to compliment'. Use this to describe the act of giving praise.
先生が生徒を褒めた。
The teacher praised the student.
A flattering compliment, often insincere or just for politeness. Can be used humorously.
それ、お世辞でも嬉しいよ。
I'm happy to hear that, even if it's just flattery.
Official commendation or public recognition, often with a certificate or ceremony. Common in workplace, school, or community contexts.
彼は長年の功績で表彰された。
He received a commendation for his years of service.
A certificate of commendation or award. The physical document.
表彰状を額に入れて飾った。
I framed the commendation certificate and displayed it.
A reward or prize given as commendation. Slightly more formal or literary.
功労者に褒賞が授与された。
A commendation award was presented to the person of merit.
A letter of commendation, historically from a feudal lord or military commander. Now used in some traditional or martial arts contexts.
武道の大会で感状を頂いた。
I received a commendation letter at the martial arts tournament.
Recommendation, often formal, such as for a job, school, or award. Implies a strong endorsement.
上司の推薦で昇進した。
I was promoted on my boss's recommendation.
Official recommendation or endorsement, often by an organization. Used for products, methods, or policies.
このソフトは専門家が推奨している。
This software is recommended by experts.