Translation guide
The act of praising or making something seem better or more important than it is. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs and nouns depending on whether the glorification is positive, excessive, or self-directed.
To praise someone or something in a very positive way, often publicly.
Noun meaning praise or admiration. Often used in formal contexts.
彼の功績は広く称賛されている。
His achievements are widely glorified.
Noun meaning praise or glorification, often with a nuance of admiration or worship. Can be used for religious glorification.
この詩は自然の美しさを賛美している。
This poem glorifies the beauty of nature.
Noun meaning beautification or glorification, often implying making something look better than it really is.
歴史の美化は危険だ。
The glorification of history is dangerous.
To praise something beyond what is reasonable, often ignoring flaws.
Noun meaning overestimation or overrating. Used when something is glorified more than it deserves.
その映画は過大評価されていると思う。
I think that movie is over-glorified.
Noun meaning idolization. Implies turning someone or something into an idol, often uncritically.
Noun meaning deification or apotheosis. Stronger than idolization; treating someone as a god.
To praise oneself excessively.
Noun meaning self-praise or self-admiration. Often used in the set phrase 自画自賛する (to blow one's own horn).
彼のスピーチは自画自賛に終始した。
His speech was nothing but self-glorification.
Noun meaning self-admiration or self-glorification. Similar to 自画自賛 but slightly more formal.
SNSでの自己賛美が目立つ。
Self-glorification on social media is conspicuous.
To give glory to a deity or divine being.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all nuances of 'glorification'. The choice depends on context: positive praise (称賛), excessive praise (過大評価), self-praise (自画自賛), or religious praise (栄光を帰する). Using the wrong term can sound unnatural.
有名人の偶像化は問題だ。
The glorification of celebrities is a problem.
指導者の神格化は民主主義に反する。
The glorification of the leader goes against democracy.