Translation guide
To extol means to praise highly and enthusiastically. In Japanese, this can be expressed through verbs like 褒め称える, 絶賛する, or more literary terms like 激賞する. The choice depends on formality, intensity, and context.
Expressing strong admiration or approval for someone or something.
A common and natural way to say 'extol' or 'praise highly'. It combines 褒める (praise) and 称える (admire/honor).
They extolled his courage.
The teacher extolled the student's efforts.
Means 'to praise lavishly' or 'rave about'. Often used for public acclaim, reviews, or media praise.
The movie was extolled by critics.
The design of the new product is being extolled.
A more intense and literary term for 'extol' or 'praise enthusiastically'. Often used in formal writing.
His achievements were widely extolled.
Means 'to praise' or 'commend'. Slightly more formal than 褒める, but less intense than 絶賛.
His leadership was extolled.
A colloquial and emphatic way to say 'praise to the skies'. Can sound exaggerated or informal.
She extolled his cooking to no end.
Specifically praising the good qualities or benefits of something.
A natural phrase meaning 'to expound on the greatness of ~'. Used when extolling virtues or merits.
He extolled the virtues of natural food.
Means 'to emphasize the good points of ~'. Suitable for persuasive contexts.
An idiomatic way to express enthusiastic praise, often in a public or poetic manner.
A set phrase meaning 'to sing the praises of' or 'lavish praise on'. Slightly literary but common.
The media sang his praises.
Literally 'to lift up', idiomatically means 'to praise excessively' or 'flatter'. Can have a negative nuance of insincere praise.
Can imply flattery or exaggeration, so use carefully.
褒める is general 'praise'. 褒め称える is stronger, 'praise highly/extol'. 絶賛する is the strongest, often used for critical acclaim or rave reviews.
Direct translations like 'extol' as a single word are rare in casual Japanese. Use the phrases above depending on context.
She extolled the virtues of this town.
He's always singing his boss's praises.