Translation guide
The English phrase 'curry favour with' means to try to gain approval or advantage through flattery or ingratiating behavior. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs and phrases that convey the idea of flattering, sucking up, or trying to win someone's favor.
To try to gain someone's favor by praising them or acting obsequiously.
Literally 'to say flattery'. This is a common and neutral way to express the act of flattering someone, often with the implication of trying to gain favor.
He tried to curry favour with his boss by flattering him to get a promotion.
Literally 'to take someone's mood'. This phrase means to humor or placate someone, often by saying or doing things to keep them in a good mood, which is a form of currying favor.
She is always currying favour with the teacher.
A verb meaning to flatter or fawn over someone, often with a negative connotation of being obsequious. It implies trying to gain favor through excessive flattery.
He is always currying favour with those in power.
A more formal or literary term meaning to flatter or fawn upon someone. It carries a strong sense of sycophancy.
He got ahead by currying favour with his boss.
To try to gain favor by doing helpful or pleasing things for someone.
This verb means to ingratiate oneself with someone, often by doing favors or acting in a way that pleases them. It's a common way to express 'curry favour' in the sense of trying to get into someone's good graces.
He curried favour with the president and got an important position.
Literally 'to try to be liked'. This phrase describes the effort to make someone like you, which is the essence of currying favor.
Literally 'to snuggle up to', this verb can be used metaphorically to mean trying to get close to someone for personal gain, often with a negative nuance.
To curry favour in a very obvious or servile way, often used in casual or derogatory contexts.
A colloquial phrase literally meaning 'to grind sesame seeds', but idiomatically it means to flatter or butter someone up. It's a common, slightly informal way to say 'suck up'.
He's always sucking up to the boss.
A noun referring to a professional flatterer or sycophant, historically a jester-like figure. It can be used metaphorically for someone who constantly curries favor.
The English phrase 'curry favour' does not translate directly into Japanese. Using a literal translation like 'カレーを好む' would be nonsensical. Instead, use the verbs and phrases provided that convey the idea of flattery or ingratiation.
For neutral or polite contexts, 'お世辞を言う' or 'ご機嫌を取る' are safe choices. In casual speech, 'ゴマをする' is very common. For written or formal contexts, '媚びる' or 'へつらう' may be appropriate, but they carry a stronger negative connotation.
She is trying to curry favour with her new classmates.
He's currying favour with the rich to get business opportunities.
This phrase means to use flattery or to butter someone up. It's similar to 'ゴマをする' but can be slightly more formal, though still colloquial.
She curried favour with the teacher by flattering him and got her grades raised.
He's like a sycophant, always currying favour with the president.