Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
言い囃す (いいはやす) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
godan verb (-su), transitive verb
spread rumors ; talk about widely ; make fun of
Often used for spreading gossip, rumors, or talking about someone in a light, sometimes mocking way. The 'make fun of' nuance is common in modern usage.
を
言い
い
囃はや
し
た
。
The weekly magazine spread that rumor.
2
godan verb (-su), transitive verb
sing the praises of ; praise to the skies
Used when people enthusiastically praise someone or something, often in a public or exaggerated manner. Less common than sense 1.
Written forms 言い い 囃はや す Usage 33%
Standard kanji spelling; 囃す is a relatively uncommon kanji but used in this compound.
言い いはやす Usage 50%
Mixed kana-kanji spelling; may be used for clarity or when the kanji 囃 is avoided.
言いい 囃はや す Usage 17%
Variant spelling omitting the okurigana い; less common.
Kanji 囃 play (music), accompany, beat time Similar words 褒ほ めそやす 褒めそやす also means to praise highly, but 言い囃す can carry a nuance of talking about someone in a lively, sometimes mocking or gossipy way, while 褒めそやす is purely positive.
噂うわさ する 噂する simply means to gossip or spread rumors, without the additional nuance of making fun of or praising that 言い囃す can have.
Etymology Compound of 言い (continuative form of 言う 'to say') and 囃す ('to play accompaniment' or 'to make a lively noise'). The combination suggests talking about someone in a lively, often exaggerated manner, which can be either mocking or praising depending on context.
