Meaning

Primary

Flattery

Alternative

Compliment

Word Type

noun

Explanation

When you quit your current generation to join an older one, you'll need to use all kinds of flattery. Older people love being flattered; so be nice and give them some compliments.

Reading

おせじ
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. Just watch out, as the gets shortened from せい to ! You can memorize this by remembering to be short and sweet with your flattery, don't make it too long and overcomplicated!

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • お世辞を言う

    to flatter

    お世辞を使う

    to use flattery

    お世辞をならべる

    to shower with flattering words

Context Sentences

コウイチは心にもないお世辞を言うのが下手です。

Koichi is not good at giving insincere compliments.

お世辞で日本語が上手だと言われるのは好きではありません。

I don't like being told that my Japanese is good just to flatter me.

うーん、これはお世辞にも上手とは言えないね。

Hmm, there's no way to sugarcoat it: this just isn't well done.

Kanji Composition