Translation guide
Expressions of affection, flattery, or endearment. In Japanese, the most natural way to express this depends on whether you mean romantic sweet talk, flattering words, or affectionate pet names.
He whispered sweet words to her.
Literally 'words of love'. Used for declarations of love or romantic expressions.
He spoke words of love.
A literary or poetic term for lovers' sweet talk or pillow talk. Rare in everyday conversation.
The two exchanged sweet nothings.
To describe words that are pleasing but possibly manipulative or insincere.
To refer to affectionate nicknames or pet names used for loved ones.
In Japanese, terms of endearment are often expressed by attaching affectionate suffixes to names rather than using separate 'sweet words'.
Taro, I love you! (using 'chan' as a term of endearment)
Loanword from English 'darling', used as a term of endearment, especially among younger couples.
Means 'you' but can be used as a term of endearment from a wife to her husband, similar to 'dear'.
Directly translating 'sweet words' as 甘い言葉 (amai kotoba) is natural in romantic contexts, but using it for flattery can sound slightly literary. For everyday flattery, お世辞 (oseji) is more common.
甘い言葉 (amai kotoba) is used for romantic or affectionate sweet talk, while お世辞 (oseji) is flattery or compliments that may be insincere. 甘言 (kangen) is a stronger, more negative term for deceptive sweet words.
彼は甘言で人を騙す。
He deceives people with sweet words.
An idiom meaning to sweet-talk someone into doing something, often with a negative connotation.
He was sweet-talked into signing the contract.
ダーリン、今日は早く帰ってきてね。
Darling, please come home early today.
Dear, would you like some tea?