恭维

gōngwéi

to praise

HSK 7

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"恭维" means to compliment or flatter someone, often with a polite or respectful tone. It can be sincere praise or sometimes insincere flattery intended to gain favor.

Common Contexts

People use "恭维" when they want to praise others, but it often carries a nuance of trying to please or manipulate. For example, "恭维别人" means to flatter others, sometimes to get something in return.

Collocations and Patterns

Usage Tips

When using "恭维," be aware that it can imply both genuine compliments and insincere flattery. Context and tone will clarify the speaker's intent. Avoid overusing it in formal writing unless you want to highlight flattery rather than honest praise.

Example Sentences

他总是喜欢恭维别人来讨好他们。

Tā zǒng shì xǐhuān gōngwéi biérén lái tǎohǎo tāmen.

He always likes to flatter others to please them.

恭维的话听多了也会让人觉得不真诚。

Gōngwéi de huà tīng duō le yě huì ràng rén juéde bù zhēnchéng.

Hearing too many compliments can also make people feel insincere.

她的恭维让老板很开心,结果得到了加薪。

Tā de gōngwéi ràng lǎobǎn hěn kāixīn, jiéguǒ dédàole jiāxīn.

Her flattery made the boss very happy, and as a result, she got a raise.