甘言
Meanings
1
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
sweet words; flattery; smooth talk
Refers to insincere, ingratiating speech intended to manipulate or gain favor. Often used in negative contexts.
Don't be fooled by his sweet words.
He tries to manipulate people with smooth talk.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉の甘言に乗るto be taken in by someone's sweet talk
He fell for the con artist's sweet talk.
- 甘言を弄するto resort to flattering, deceptive words
The boss used flattering words to push the work onto his subordinate.
- 甘言で〈人〉をだますto deceive someone with sweet talk
The man deceived the old man with sweet talk and stole his money.
Expressions
- 甘言は偶人を喜ばすsweet words only please a fool; flattery works on puppets and fools