Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing the idea of 'excessive praise' often involves specific verbs and nouns that convey overpraising, flattery, or undeserved compliments. The most common and natural way is to use the verb 褒めすぎる (home-sugiru), which literally means 'to praise too much.' Other options include terms for flattery or adulation, but these can carry nuances of insincerity or obsequiousness. The choice depends on whether you want to describe the act of overpraising, the quality of the praise itself, or the feeling of being excessively praised.
Describing the action of giving more praise than is warranted or appropriate.
The most direct and natural way to say 'to praise excessively.' It is a compound of 褒める (to praise) and すぎる (to exceed). Used in everyday conversation.
彼はいつも私のことを褒めすぎる。
He always praises me too much.
Please don't praise me so excessively.
A slightly more formal way to say 'to praise excessively,' using the adverb 過剰に (excessively). Suitable for written or formal contexts.
上司は彼の提案を過剰に褒めた。
The boss excessively praised his proposal.
Means 'to praise lavishly' or 'to shower with praise.' It implies enthusiastic and perhaps excessive praise, but can be positive or negative depending on context.
友達が私の料理を褒めちぎった。
My friend raved about my cooking.
Referring to praise that is excessive and often motivated by a desire to gain favor, rather than genuine admiration.
Means 'flattery' or 'compliment' that is often insincere or given out of politeness. Commonly used in phrases like お世辞を言う (to flatter).
それはお世辞ですよ。
That's just flattery.
彼はお世辞が上手だ。
He is good at flattery.
Refers to 'flattery' or 'sycophancy,' often with a negative connotation of trying to curry favor. More colloquial than お世辞.
A verb meaning 'to flatter' or 'to fawn over' in a servile manner. It has a strong negative nuance and is less common in daily speech.
Referring to the concept or instance of excessive praise itself, rather than the action.
A formal noun phrase meaning 'excessive praise' or 'excessive acclaim.' Suitable for written or formal contexts.
その映画は過剰な称賛を受けた。
The movie received excessive praise.
A rare, literary term meaning 'excessive praise' or 'overpraising.' Not used in everyday conversation.
過褒の言葉をいただき恐縮です。
I am humbled by your excessive praise.
Expressing the feeling of receiving too much praise, often with humility or discomfort.
The passive form of 褒めすぎる, meaning 'to be praised too much.' It emphasizes the experience of the recipient.
今日は褒められすぎて恥ずかしい。
I was praised too much today and feel embarrassed.
A humble expression meaning 'undeserved praise' or 'too much praise.' Often used in formal situations to deflect compliments.
過分なお褒めに預かり恐れ入ります。
I am undeserving of such high praise.
While 過剰な称賛 is a direct translation, it sounds stiff and is rarely used in casual conversation. In most everyday situations, using 褒めすぎる or お世辞 is more natural.
褒めすぎる simply means praising too much, which can be sincere but overdone. お世辞 implies insincerity or flattery with an ulterior motive. Choose based on whether the excess is due to enthusiasm or manipulation.
それは褒めすぎだと思います。
I think that's excessive praise.
彼は上司におべっかを使っている。
He is buttering up the boss.
I dislike people who fawn over those in power.