When you flatter someone (奉承, fèngcheng), it means you say nice things about them, often to make them feel good or to get something from them.
It can be a way to show respect, but sometimes it's not very sincere.
For example, if you tell your boss they are the smartest person, you might be 奉承ing them.
Be careful, too much 奉承 can sometimes feel insincere.
When you want to praise someone insincerely to gain their favor, you can use the word 奉承 (fèngcheng). It means to flatter or to fawn on someone. Often, when someone 奉承 (fèngcheng) another, their words are not truly heartfelt. You might 奉承 (fèngcheng) your boss to get a promotion, or a friend to get what you want. It's about saying things that please others, usually with an ulterior motive.
When you flatter someone in Chinese, you use the word 奉承 (fèngcheng). This means to say nice things to them, often to get something you want or to make them like you more.
It can also mean to fawn on someone, which is a bit stronger and implies being overly submissive or admiring.
For example, if you tell your boss he's the best to get a raise, that's 奉承. It’s not always bad, but it can be seen as insincere if it’s too much or not genuine.
When you want to describe someone who gives insincere compliments or tries to gain favor through excessive praise, 奉承 (fèngcheng) is the word to use.
It's often used when the flattery feels a bit over the top or has an ulterior motive.
You might hear it in situations where someone is trying to impress a boss, a teacher, or even a potential client.
Think of it as buttering someone up, sometimes a little too much.
When you want to describe someone who praises others excessively, often insincerely, to gain favor, the verb “奉承” (fèngcheng) is an excellent choice. It implies a sense of sycophancy or flattery. You'll often hear it in situations where someone is trying to curry favor with a superior or a person in power. For example, a subordinate might 奉承 their boss, or a salesperson might 奉承 a potential client. It's important to remember that “奉承” usually carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that the praise is not genuine.
When using 奉承 (fèngcheng), you're talking about giving compliments or praise, often insincerely, to gain favor or advantage. It implies a degree of obsequiousness, where the person doing the flattering is trying to curry favor with someone in a position of power or influence. This word carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that the praise is not genuine but rather a tool for manipulation. It's used when someone is overly complimentary, to the point where their sincerity is questionable.
奉承 في 30 ثانية
- Insincere praise
- Fawning behavior
- Seeking favor
§ What does 奉承 mean?
Let's break down the Chinese word 奉承 (fèngcheng). Simply put, it means 'to flatter' or 'to fawn on' someone. This isn't a complex idea, but understanding when and how Chinese speakers use it is key to sounding natural.
- DEFINITION
- To flatter; to fawn on.
When someone 奉承 another person, they are saying things or doing things specifically to make that person feel good, often with an ulterior motive. Think of it as exaggerated praise, insincere compliments, or showing excessive deference. It's usually about currying favor or getting something they want.
§ When do people use 奉承?
You'll hear or use 奉承 in various situations, but generally, it carries a slightly negative or at least a wary connotation. It's not usually a positive description of someone's actions. Here are some common contexts:
- In the workplace: Someone might 奉承 their boss to get a promotion or special treatment.
- Social situations: Someone might 奉承 a wealthy or influential person to gain social advantage.
- Among friends (sometimes): Less common, but if someone is constantly praising another friend excessively, others might describe it as 奉承, implying it's not genuine.
The core idea is that the flattery isn't genuine. It's often strategic. If someone is truly admiring or complimenting another person sincerely, you'd use different words, like 称赞 (chēngzàn - to praise) or 欣赏 (xīnshǎng - to appreciate/admire). 奉承 implies a lack of sincerity and often a hidden agenda.
他总是喜欢奉承老板，希望得到提拔。
Translation hint: He always likes to flatter the boss, hoping to get promoted.
我真受不了他那套奉承人的嘴脸。
Translation hint: I really can't stand his flattering demeanor/face.
Understanding this nuance is crucial. You wouldn't typically say '我很喜欢他奉承我' (I really like him flattering me) unless you were being sarcastic or acknowledging the flattery despite its insincerity. More often, you'd hear people complaining about someone's 奉承.
For example, if a student constantly praises their teacher in an over-the-top way, other students might say that person is 奉承 the teacher to get better grades. It's about perception and intention. The act of 奉承 is often seen through a skeptical lens by observers.
你别再奉承我了，我知道自己几斤几两。
Translation hint: Don't flatter me anymore; I know my own capabilities (literally 'how many catties and how many taels I weigh').
This phrase '知道自己几斤几两' is a common idiomatic expression meaning 'to know one's own strengths and weaknesses' or 'to know one's place/capability'. It often follows being flattered, implying that the person receiving the flattery is aware it's not genuine.
§ Understanding 奉承 (fèngcheng)
Alright, let's talk about the Chinese word 奉承 (fèngcheng). It's a verb, and it basically means 'to flatter' or 'to fawn on' someone. Think of it as saying nice things to someone, often excessively, with an underlying motive – like trying to get something from them, or just trying to make them like you more, perhaps insincerely. It's not usually a positive word; it carries a slightly negative connotation of insincerity.
- DEFINITION
- To flatter; to fawn on.
When you 奉承 someone, you're not just giving a genuine compliment. You're laying it on thick, sometimes in a way that feels a bit forced or exaggerated. It's about trying to gain favor, not just expressing admiration.
§ How to use it in a sentence
Using 奉承 (fèngcheng) in a sentence is pretty straightforward. As a verb, it usually takes an object – the person you are flattering. The basic structure is Subject + 奉承 + Object. Let's look at some examples to make it clear.
他总是奉承老板，希望得到晋升。
Here, 他 (tā) is 'he', 总是 (zǒngshì) is 'always', and 老板 (lǎobǎn) is 'the boss'. So, 'He always flatters the boss, hoping to get a promotion.' Notice how the context hints at the insincerity.
我不喜欢那些只会奉承别人的人。
This one means: 'I don't like those people who only flatter others.' This sentence directly states a dislike for the act of flattery.
不要奉承他，他不会改变主意的。
'Don't flatter him, he won't change his mind.' This example shows it used in a negative command, suggesting that flattery would be ineffective.
§ Grammar and prepositions
As mentioned, 奉承 (fèngcheng) is a transitive verb, meaning it generally takes a direct object. You don't usually need prepositions directly with 奉承 when stating who is being flattered. The person being flattered immediately follows the verb.
- Subject + 奉承 + Object: This is the most common and direct usage.
他喜欢别人奉承他。
'He likes others to flatter him.' Here, 别人 (biéren) 'others' is the subject of the flattery, and 他 (tā) 'him' is the object.
While you don't directly use prepositions with 奉承 for the object, you might see it in more complex sentences where other actions or motivations are involved. For example, if you want to say 'flatter someone for something', the 'for something' part would be handled by a separate clause or phrase, not directly linked by a preposition to 奉承.
她为了得到提升而奉承上司。
'She flatters her superior in order to get a promotion.' Here, 为了 (wèile) 'in order to' introduces the reason, but 奉承上司 remains direct.
So, in summary, just like in English 'to flatter someone', in Chinese you simply '奉承 someone' (奉承某人). Keep it direct, and you'll be using it correctly.
§ Where you actually hear this word — work, school, news
Okay, so you've learned what 奉承 (fèngcheng) means: to flatter or to fawn on someone. Now let's talk about where this word actually pops up in real life. It's not a super casual, everyday word you'd use with your buddies, but it's definitely common in certain contexts. You'll hear it in discussions about workplace dynamics, school environments, and even in news reports, especially when talking about politics or public figures.
Think about the situations where people might try to get ahead by saying nice things they don't really mean. That's where 奉承 comes in. It implies a certain insincerity, a motive behind the flattery. It's not just a compliment; it's a strategic compliment.
Let's break down some common scenarios.
§ In the Workplace
In a professional setting, 奉承 is often used to describe someone who tries to gain favor with their boss or superiors. This can be seen as a negative trait, suggesting that the person is not relying on their skills or hard work, but rather on their ability to please others.
- Common expressions:
- 奉承老板 (fèngcheng lǎobǎn): to flatter the boss
- 爱奉承的人 (ài fèngcheng de rén): a person who likes to flatter
- 靠奉承上位 (kào fèngcheng shàngwèi): to get promoted through flattery
他总是奉承领导，希望得到提升。(Tā zǒng shì fèngcheng lǐngdǎo, xīwàng dédào tíshēng.) - He always flatters his superiors, hoping to get a promotion.
我不喜欢那些只会奉承别人的人。(Wǒ bù xǐhuān nàxiē zhǐ huì fèngcheng biérén de rén.) - I don't like people who only know how to flatter others.
§ In School Settings
While less common than in the workplace, you might hear 奉承 used to describe students who try to curry favor with teachers. This could be to get better grades, special treatment, or just to be seen in a positive light, even if their intentions aren't entirely pure.
有些学生会奉承老师，希望得到更好的分数。(Yǒuxiē xuéshēng huì fèngcheng lǎoshī, xīwàng dédào gèng hǎo de fēnshù.) - Some students will flatter teachers, hoping to get better grades.
Again, the implication is that the student isn't earning their good standing through genuine effort or merit, but through manipulation.
§ In News and Public Discourse
This is a big one. You'll often see 奉承 used in news articles, commentaries, or political discussions. It's frequently applied to politicians, public figures, or even certain media outlets that are perceived to be excessively praising those in power, often for personal gain or to maintain a favorable relationship.
- Contexts:
- Criticism of political figures: when someone is seen as blindly loyal or praising a leader without objective reason.
- Media reporting: when a news outlet is accused of being a mouthpiece for the government or a particular group.
- Historical analysis: describing courtiers who flattered emperors.
媒体被指奉承政府，未能客观报道。(Méitǐ bèi zhǐ fèngcheng zhèngfǔ, wèi néng kèguān bàodào.) - The media was accused of flattering the government and failing to report objectively.
历史记载了许多奉承君王的例子。(Lìshǐ jìzǎi le xǔduō fèngcheng jūnwáng de lìzi.) - History records many examples of flattering monarchs.
So, to sum it up, while 奉承 means 'to flatter,' it's used to describe a specific kind of flattery – one that is often strategic, insincere, and motivated by personal gain. Keep an ear out for it in these situations, and you'll quickly pick up on its nuances.
Alright, let's talk about 奉承 (fèngcheng) and how it stacks up against other words that might seem similar but have different vibes. You don't want to use the wrong word and accidentally sound like you're sucking up when you just mean to compliment someone.
§ The Core Meaning of 奉承 (fèngcheng)
- DEFINITION
- To flatter; to fawn on. It implies an ulterior motive, often to gain favor or advantage, and is generally seen as insincere.
When you use 奉承, you're usually talking about someone who's laying it on thick, often for personal gain. It's not a genuine compliment; it's a strategic move.
他为了升职经常奉承老板。
Translation hint: He often flattered the boss to get a promotion.
我不喜欢那些只会奉承别人的人。
Translation hint: I don't like people who only flatter others.
§ 奉承 (fèngcheng) vs. 称赞 (chēngzàn)
This is a big one. 称赞 (chēngzàn) means to praise or compliment. It's positive and genuine. It's what you say when you truly admire something or someone.
- DEFINITION
- To praise; to compliment. This is sincere and without hidden motives.
老师称赞了他的努力。
Translation hint: The teacher praised his effort.
§ 奉承 (fèngcheng) vs. 恭维 (gōngwéi)
恭维 (gōngwéi) is a bit closer to 奉承, as it also means to compliment or flatter. However, 恭维 can sometimes be used in a lighter, less negative sense than 奉承. It can be a social nicety, even if it's not entirely sincere, whereas 奉承 almost always carries a negative connotation of sycophancy.
- DEFINITION
- To compliment; to flatter. Can be used for social pleasantries, but can also imply insincerity. Generally less strong than 奉承.
她喜欢听别人恭维她。
Translation hint: She likes to hear others compliment her.
你不用恭维我，说实话就行。
Translation hint: You don't need to flatter me, just tell me the truth.
§ When to use 奉承 (fèngcheng)
When someone is clearly trying to gain favor through excessive, insincere praise.
When the flattery has an obvious ulterior motive.
In contexts where you want to highlight the negative aspect of someone's actions.
Don't use 奉承 if you mean to give a genuine compliment. That's what 称赞 is for. If you're talking about light, perhaps slightly insincere social compliments, 恭维 might be a better fit, but 奉承 is reserved for the more calculating and distasteful kind of flattery.
How Formal Is It?
"他对领导的恭维恰到好处，既表达了敬意又不过分。"
"她称赞了新员工的工作表现。"
"他总是喜欢拍老板的马屁，希望得到升职。"
"小明对妈妈说好话，希望她能给自己买玩具。"
"他为了讨好上司，简直就是一直在舔。"
حقيقة ممتعة
The character 奉 can also be found in words like '奉献' (fèngxiàn - to dedicate) which has a more positive connotation of selfless giving.
مستوى الصعوبة
The characters are not overly complex and the word is common enough to appear in intermediate texts.
Both characters have a manageable number of strokes.
The tones are straightforward (fourth then second) and easy to pronounce.
The pronunciation is distinct and generally easy to catch in conversation.
ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك
المتطلبات الأساسية
تعلّم لاحقاً
متقدم
أمثلة حسب المستوى
他说好话奉承你。
He speaks nice words to flatter you.
奉承 is a verb, used after an adverb or directly after a subject.
她奉承老板。
She flatters the boss.
Direct object follows 奉承.
不要奉承我。
Don't flatter me.
用 '不要' (bù yào) for 'don't'.
他喜欢奉承别人。
He likes to flatter others.
用 '喜欢' (xǐ huān) for 'like to'.
奉承是没有用的。
Flattery is useless.
奉承 can be used as a noun here.
她总是奉承他。
She always flatters him.
用 '总是' (zǒng shì) for 'always'.
我不喜欢奉承。
I don't like flattery.
用 '不喜欢' (bù xǐ huān) for 'don't like'.
他知道如何奉承。
He knows how to flatter.
用 '知道如何' (zhī dào rú hé) for 'know how to'.
他不喜歡別人奉承他。
He doesn't like others to flatter him.
奉承 can be used with 奉承 somebody, or 奉承 a person/something
她奉承老闆是為了升職。
She flattered the boss in order to get a promotion.
奉承 can be followed by a purpose or reason.
你不需要奉承我，直接說就好。
You don't need to flatter me, just say it directly.
奉承 can be used in a negative context, implying insincerity.
他的奉承讓我很不舒服。
His flattery made me very uncomfortable.
奉承 can also be used as a noun, meaning 'flattery'.
不要總是奉承別人，要有自己的想法。
Don't always flatter others, have your own ideas.
奉承 is often associated with a lack of independence.
他用甜言蜜語奉承她。
He used sweet words to flatter her.
甜言蜜語 (sweet talk) is often associated with 奉承.
我認為他奉承你只是想得到好處。
I think he flattered you just to get benefits.
奉承 can be linked to ulterior motives.
老闆喜歡聽奉承話。
The boss likes to hear flattery.
奉承話 (flattering words) is a common collocation.
她总是奉承老板，希望能得到晋升。
She always flatters the boss, hoping to get a promotion.
总是 (zǒngshì) - always; 希望 (xīwàng) - to hope; 得到 (dédào) - to get; 晋升 (jìnshēng) - promotion.
我不喜欢那些只会奉承别人的人。
I don't like people who only flatter others.
不喜欢 (bù xǐhuān) - don't like; 那些 (nàxiē) - those; 只会 (zhǐ huì) - only know how to; 别人 (biérén) - other people.
他的奉承话听起来很假，一点都不真诚。
His flattering words sound very fake, not sincere at all.
奉承话 (fèngcheng huà) - flattering words; 听起来 (tīng qǐlái) - sounds; 很假 (hěn jiǎ) - very fake; 一点都不 (yīdiǎn dōu bù) - not at all; 真诚 (zhēnchéng) - sincere.
她不屑于奉承任何人，总是说真话。
She disdains flattering anyone, always tells the truth.
不屑于 (bùxiè yú) - disdain to; 任何人 (rènhé rén) - anyone; 总是 (zǒngshì) - always; 说真话 (shuō zhēnhuà) - to tell the truth.
他试图通过奉承来获得她的好感。
He tried to win her favor through flattery.
试图 (shìtú) - to try; 通过 (tōngguò) - through; 获得 (huòdé) - to obtain; 好感 (hǎogǎn) - good impression/favor.
虽然他的奉承很明显，但她还是吃这一套。
Although his flattery was obvious, she still fell for it.
虽然 (suīrán) - although; 明显 (míngxiǎn) - obvious; 还是 (háishì) - still; 吃这一套 (chī zhè yī tào) - to fall for it (idiom).
他用尽了各种方法奉承上司。
He used every possible method to flatter his superior.
用尽 (yòngjìn) - to exhaust/use up; 各种 (gè zhǒng) - various; 方法 (fāngfǎ) - method; 上司 (shàngsi) - superior.
我不喜欢别人奉承我，我更喜欢诚实的批评。
I don't like people flattering me; I prefer honest criticism.
不喜欢 (bù xǐhuān) - don't like; 别人 (biérén) - other people; 更 (gèng) - more; 喜欢 (xǐhuān) - like; 诚实 (chéngshí) - honest; 批评 (pīpíng) - criticism.
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
他总是奉承老板。
He always flatters the boss.
我不喜欢奉承别人。
I don't like to flatter others.
她喜欢听奉承话。
She likes to hear flattering words.
不要相信那些奉承你的人。
Don't trust those who flatter you.
他的奉承让人觉得不舒服。
His flattery makes people uncomfortable.
他们试图奉承他来获得好处。
They tried to flatter him to gain benefits.
他从不奉承任何人。
He never flatters anyone.
你为什么要奉承她？
Why do you want to flatter her?
这种奉承没有任何意义。
This kind of flattery is meaningless.
他只对有权有势的人奉承。
He only flatters powerful people.
يُخلط عادةً مع
Similar to '赞美', '赞扬' means to praise or commend, usually for good deeds or qualities. It's sincere and positive, unlike '奉承'.
While '奉' is in both, '奉送' means to respectfully present or give something as a gift, often with humility. It has nothing to do with flattery.
This means to highly admire and seek after someone, often a celebrity or popular figure. It implies genuine popularity and admiration, not necessarily insincere flattery.
سهل الخلط
Both '奉承' and '恭维' mean to praise someone. The key difference lies in the sincerity and intention behind the praise.
'恭维' is generally neutral or positive, meaning to compliment or express admiration, often with genuine appreciation. '奉承' implies flattery that is insincere and often has an ulterior motive, like gaining favor or personal benefit. It's often seen as manipulative.
他恭维了我的新发型，说很好看。(He complimented my new hairstyle, saying it looked good.)
'赞美' also means to praise, similar to '奉承'. However, the connotations are quite different.
'赞美' is a genuine expression of admiration, praise, or commendation, often for someone's character, achievements, or qualities. It's sincere and positive. '奉承' is insincere flattery, often with a hidden agenda.
大家赞美他工作努力，很有责任感。(Everyone praised him for working hard and being responsible.)
'吹捧' shares the negative connotation of exaggerated praise with '奉承', making them easily confused.
'吹捧' specifically means to flatter or praise someone excessively, often to elevate their status or importance, sometimes to an undeserved degree. It usually involves publicly exaggerating their qualities. '奉承' is more about generally fawning to gain favor, which can include '吹捧' but is broader.
他总是吹捧老板，希望能得到升职。(He always flatters the boss, hoping to get a promotion.)
'讨好' also describes actions taken to please someone, similar to '奉承', but the focus is slightly different.
'讨好' means to curry favor with someone, to try to please them, often by doing things they like or saying things they want to hear. While it can involve flattery, the primary goal is to make them happy or like you. '奉承' is specifically about insincere praise to gain a benefit.
她努力讨好婆婆，希望能得到她的认可。(She tried hard to please her mother-in-law, hoping to gain her approval.)
'巴结' is very close in meaning and usage to '奉承', both carrying a negative connotation of fawning.
'巴结' refers to fawning on or currying favor with someone, often of higher status, through servile or obsequious behavior, including flattery. It emphasizes the subservient aspect. '奉承' focuses more on the insincere praise itself. They are often interchangeable in contexts of negative flattery.
他总是巴结领导，希望得到特殊待遇。(He always fawns over the leaders, hoping for special treatment.)
عائلة الكلمة
الأسماء
نصائح
Basic Meaning
奉承 (fèngcheng) means to flatter or to fawn on someone. It often implies insincere praise.
Usage with Objects
You can use it directly with a person as the object. For example, 他喜欢奉承老板 (Tā xǐhuān fèngcheng lǎobǎn) – He likes to flatter his boss.
Negative Connotation
Generally, 奉承 has a negative connotation. It suggests that the praise is not genuine but has an ulterior motive.
Synonyms to Differentiate
Don't confuse it with 夸奖 (kuājiǎng) which means to praise sincerely. 奉承 is usually insincere.
Example: Fawning
他总是奉承有钱人 (Tā zǒng shì fèngcheng yǒuqiánrén) – He always fawns on rich people.
Avoid in Formal Settings
Using 奉承 in a positive context is usually inappropriate. Stick to words like 赞扬 (zànyáng) for sincere praise.
Example: Insincere Compliments
他说的那些话都是在奉承你 (Tā shuō de nàxiē huà dōu shì zài fèngcheng nǐ) – All those things he said were just flattering you.
Cultural Nuance
In Chinese culture, overt and insincere flattery can be seen as disingenuous and is generally looked down upon.
Sentence Structure
It's typically used as a verb: Someone 奉承 someone else.
احفظها
وسيلة تذكّر
Imagine a servant **fèng** (奉) bowing deeply, offering a **chéng** (承) of tea to a master, symbolizing flattery to gain favor. The 'fèng' sounds like 'feng shui' and 'chéng' sounds like 'churning' - churning out compliments.
ربط بصري
Visualize a cartoon character with a massive, over-the-top smile, holding a giant 'Best Boss Ever' trophy, practically kneeling before their manager, showering them with compliments. This exaggerated image links directly to the idea of fawning and flattery.
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Write three sentences using '奉承' in different contexts: one where it's used negatively, one where it's used neutrally (e.g., describing a character in a story), and one where it describes someone genuinely trying to win favor. For example: 他不喜欢别人奉承他。(He doesn't like others flattering him.)
أصل الكلمة
The character '奉' (fèng) means 'to offer respectfully' or 'to serve,' and '承' (chéng) means 'to bear' or 'to receive.'
المعنى الأصلي: Together, it originally meant to respectfully offer or serve someone, often in a way that implies seeking favor.
Sino-Tibetan, Sinitic languages, Mandarin Chinese.السياق الثقافي
In Chinese culture, while politeness and respect are highly valued, excessive flattery can be viewed with suspicion. It often suggests ulterior motives rather than genuine admiration. However, offering sincere compliments, especially to elders or superiors, is generally well-received and considered good etiquette.
تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية
سياقات واقعية
職場 (Workplace)
- 他很會奉承老闆，所以晉升得很快。
- 不要奉承那些你不同意的人。
- 她的奉承讓我覺得很不舒服。
人際關係 (Interpersonal Relationships)
- 我不喜歡那些只會奉承別人的人。
- 他總是奉承她，希望她能幫助他。
- 過度的奉承會讓人覺得虛偽。
社交場合 (Social Situations)
- 在社交場合，適度的讚美和奉承是常見的。
- 他用一些奉承的話語來討好在場的客人。
- 她不喜歡別人奉承她，喜歡真誠的交流。
政治 (Politics)
- 許多政治家身邊都圍繞著奉承者。
- 他認為那些媒體只是在奉承政府。
- 人民不應該只是奉承他們的領導者。
銷售 (Sales)
- 好的銷售員知道如何適當地奉承顧客。
- 他的奉承技巧幫助他賣出了許多產品。
- 不要只是奉承顧客，要提供有價值的產品。
بدايات محادثة
"你覺得奉承在職場上是必須的嗎？為什麼？"
"你曾經被奉承過嗎？當時你的感受是什麼？"
"你認為在什麼情況下，奉承是無害的，甚至是有效的？"
"你如何分辨真誠的讚美和虛假的奉承？"
"你覺得文化背景會影響人們對奉承的接受度嗎？"
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
描述一次你觀察到別人奉承的經歷。你對此有何看法？
寫一篇關於你如何看待「奉承」在現代社會中的作用的短文。
想像你必須奉承一個人來達到你的目標。你會怎麼做？
反思你是否曾經無意中奉承過別人。如果是，為什麼？
探討奉承和真誠的讚美之間的界線，以及你如何區分它們。
اختبر نفسك 114 أسئلة
This is a common greeting.
This is a word of gratitude.
This is a common farewell.
Read this aloud:
我爱中国
Focus: ai (love)
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
请问，洗手间在哪里？
Focus: qing wen (excuse me), zai na li (where)
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
这个多少钱？
Focus: zhe ge (this one), duo shao qian (how much money)
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a short sentence saying hello to someone.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你好！
Write a sentence asking 'How are you?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你好吗？
Write a sentence saying 'I am good, thank you.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我很好，谢谢。
What does the passage say?
Read this passage:
你好。我很好。你呢？
What does the passage say?
你好 means hello, 我很好 means I'm good, and 你呢 means and you?
你好 means hello, 我很好 means I'm good, and 你呢 means and you?
Who is good in the passage?
Read this passage:
他很好。她也很好。
Who is good in the passage?
他 means he, 她 means she, 很好 means very good, and 也 means also.
他 means he, 她 means she, 很好 means very good, and 也 means also.
What is the name of the person speaking?
Read this passage:
你叫什么名字？我叫大卫。
What is the name of the person speaking?
你叫什么名字 means What is your name?, and 我叫大卫 means My name is David.
你叫什么名字 means What is your name?, and 我叫大卫 means My name is David.
Choose the correct word: 他总是喜欢对老板说好话，因为他想______。
The sentence means 'He always likes to say good things to his boss because he wants to ______.' The word '奉承' (to flatter) fits the context of saying good things to someone in authority to gain favor.
她不喜欢那些总是______她的人。
The sentence means 'She doesn't like those people who always ______ her.' '奉承' (to flatter) makes sense here, as people generally dislike insincere flattery.
不要总是______别人，要真诚。
The sentence means 'Don't always ______ others, be sincere.' '奉承' (to flatter) contrasts with being sincere, making it the correct choice.
为了得到好处，对别人说假话是奉承。
This statement means 'To say false things to others to gain benefits is flattery.' This accurately describes one aspect of '奉承'.
当你真诚地赞美别人时，你是在奉承。
This statement means 'When you sincerely praise someone, you are flattering.' Sincere praise is different from '奉承', which often implies insincerity or ulterior motives.
奉承是一种表达感谢的好方法。
This statement means 'Flattery is a good way to express gratitude.' While expressing gratitude is good, '奉承' implies an insincere or excessive praise, which is not the same as genuine thanks.
Listen to understand who likes flattery.
Listen for advice about flattering the boss.
Listen to understand her preference regarding flattery.
Read this aloud:
我从不喜欢奉承别人。
Focus: 奉承 (fèngcheng)
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
有些人喜欢奉承有钱人。
Focus: 奉承 (fèngcheng)
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
你觉得奉承是好的吗？
Focus: 奉承 (fèngcheng)
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a short sentence about someone giving a compliment to a friend. Make sure it sounds positive and friendly.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我的好朋友今天看起来很棒，我很喜欢她的新发型。
Imagine you are praising a dish that your friend cooked. Write a simple sentence to express your appreciation.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你做的饭真好吃，谢谢你。
Write a short sentence about someone doing a good job at school or work, and you want to tell them they are doing well.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你今天工作做得很好，你很努力。
小明对老师说了什么？
Read this passage:
小明对老师说：“老师，您的课真有意思，我学到很多东西。” 老师听了很高兴。
小明对老师说了什么？
文章中直接提到小明对老师说“您的课真有意思”。
文章中直接提到小明对老师说“您的课真有意思”。
丽丽的朋友说了什么？
Read this passage:
丽丽今天穿了一件新衣服，她的朋友说：“这件衣服很漂亮，你穿起来很好看。” 丽丽听了很开心。
丽丽的朋友说了什么？
文章中写道她的朋友说：“这件衣服很漂亮”。
文章中写道她的朋友说：“这件衣服很漂亮”。
大卫对老板表达了什么？
Read this passage:
大卫对他的老板说：“老板，您真是个好领导，我从您身上学到很多。” 老板微笑了。
大卫对老板表达了什么？
大卫对老板说：“您真是个好领导”。
大卫对老板说：“您真是个好领导”。
This sentence means 'He likes to flatter the boss.' The correct order is subject, verb, object.
This sentence means 'She doesn't flatter others.' The correct order is subject, negative adverb, auxiliary verb, verb, object.
This sentence means 'We should not flatter them.' The correct order is subject, negative imperative, verb, object.
Choose the sentence where someone is trying to flatter another person.
Saying the boss's clothes are always nice is a form of flattery.
Which action shows someone is flattering?
Praising someone's strengths, especially excessively or insincerely, is flattery.
What is the best way to describe someone who '奉承' others?
Flattery often involves insincere compliments.
说一个人很聪明，总是正确的，这是在奉承。
Constantly saying someone is smart and always correct is a form of flattery.
告诉朋友他做错了什么，这是一种奉承。
Telling a friend they made a mistake is honest feedback, not flattery.
努力工作并得到晋升是奉承的表现。
Working hard and getting a promotion is a result of merit, not flattery.
He doesn't like others to flatter him.
You shouldn't always fawn on the boss.
This kind of flattering talk sounds very fake.
Read this aloud:
她很擅长奉承别人。
Focus: fèng chéng
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
他不接受任何人的奉承。
Focus: fèng chéng
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
你觉得这是奉承吗？
Focus: fèng chéng
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
她不喜欢那种总是___领导的人。
Context suggests a negative action towards a leader. '奉承' (flatter) fits this context.
他试图通过___来获得老板的青睐。
The sentence implies an attempt to gain favor, and '奉承' (to flatter) is a common way people try to do this.
这种___的行为让人觉得很不真诚。
The phrase '很不真诚' (very insincere) directly relates to '奉承' (flattering).
即使你不喜欢他，也不应该当面___。
The sentence advises against a certain behavior even if you dislike someone. '奉承' (to flatter) fits this negative context.
他总是对有权势的人___，希望能得到好处。
The desire to '得到好处' (get benefits) from powerful people often leads to '奉承' (flattery).
她对他的___感到非常不舒服。
The feeling of '不舒服' (uncomfortable) is often a reaction to insincere '奉承' (flattery).
Choose the sentence where "奉承" is used correctly.
“奉承” means to flatter, so using it to describe someone flattering their boss for a promotion is correct. The other options use the word incorrectly.
Which of the following is NOT a synonym of "奉承"?
恭维, 巴结, and 吹捧 all carry the meaning of praising or flattering someone, often insincerely. 批评 means to criticize, which is the opposite of flattering.
If someone is always telling you how great you are, even when you know it's not true, they are probably trying to ___ you.
The scenario describes someone giving insincere praise, which is exactly what "奉承" means. The other options do not fit the context.
奉承 always has a positive connotation.
While "奉承" can sometimes be used playfully, it often carries a negative connotation, implying insincere flattery or fawning for personal gain.
When you 奉承 someone, you are usually telling them the truth about their abilities.
"奉承" implies insincere praise, often exaggerating or fabricating positive qualities to gain favor, so it's not usually about telling the truth.
If you 奉承 someone, you might be trying to get something from them.
One common motivation for "奉承" is to gain favor, influence, or some benefit from the person being flattered.
He is not good at flattering others, always speaking frankly.
To get a promotion, he started to flatter his boss.
I dislike those who only know how to flatter.
Read this aloud:
他奉承老板，希望得到加薪。
Focus: fèng chéng lǎo bǎn
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
你不必奉承我，直接说出你的想法。
Focus: bú bì fèng chéng wǒ
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
我不是那种会奉承别人的人。
Focus: bú shì nà zhǒng huì fèng chéng bié rén de rén
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a short paragraph about a time someone flattered you, using "奉承" at least once. Explain how it made you feel.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我记得有一次，我的同事为了让我帮他加班，对我说了不少奉承话。他一直夸我工作能力强，说只有我才能完成任务。一开始我有点开心，但后来觉得很不舒服，因为我知道他只是想利用我。
Describe a situation where someone might use "奉承" to achieve a goal. What are the potential positive and negative outcomes?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
老板开会时，有些员工会奉承他，希望得到升职或加薪的机会。这样做可能会让老板心情好，甚至真的给他们一些好处。但是，如果奉承得太过分，可能会让同事们觉得这个人不真诚，甚至被老板看穿。
Imagine you are giving advice to a friend about how to deal with someone who constantly flatters them. What would you say, using "奉承"?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
如果有人总是奉承你，我的建议是你要保持清醒的头脑。学会分辨哪些是真诚的赞美，哪些是带有目的的奉承。不要轻易被奉承冲昏头脑，要相信自己的判断。
根据短文，为什么小李在公司里很受欢迎？
Read this passage:
小李在公司里很受欢迎，因为他总是能找到机会奉承上司。他说的话让上司很高兴，所以小李的工作进展得很顺利。但是，其他同事并不喜欢他这种做法，觉得他太假了。
根据短文，为什么小李在公司里很受欢迎？
短文明确提到“他总是能找到机会奉承上司”，并且因此“小李的工作进展得很顺利”。
短文明确提到“他总是能找到机会奉承上司”，并且因此“小李的工作进展得很顺利”。
从短文可以推断出，老王更喜欢哪种类型的交流？
Read this passage:
老王不喜欢别人奉承他。他认为真诚的建议比空泛的赞美更有价值。所以，当有人对他阿谀奉承时，他会显得很不耐烦。
从短文可以推断出，老王更喜欢哪种类型的交流？
短文指出“他认为真诚的建议比空泛的赞美更有价值”，这表明他更喜欢真诚的建议。
短文指出“他认为真诚的建议比空泛的赞美更有价值”，这表明他更喜欢真诚的建议。
这位年轻的艺术家真正需要的是什么？
Read this passage:
一位年轻的艺术家初出茅庐，他的作品受到了评论家的严厉批评。他的朋友们为了鼓励他，对他说了不少奉承的话。虽然这些话让他暂时感到了一些安慰，但他知道自己真正需要的是如何提高。
这位年轻的艺术家真正需要的是什么？
短文最后一句“但他知道自己真正需要的是如何提高”直接指出了答案。
短文最后一句“但他知道自己真正需要的是如何提高”直接指出了答案。
The correct order is Subject (他) + Verb (喜欢) + Verb (奉承) + Object (老板).
The correct order is Adverbial (不要总是) + Verb (奉承) + Object (别人).
The correct order is Subject (她) + Adverbial (不会) + Verb (奉承) + Verb (讨好).
她善于___，因此在职场上很受欢迎。
这句话的意思是“她善于奉承，因此在职场上很受欢迎。”，'奉承'在这里表示拍马屁、讨好他人，符合语境。
他通过不断地___老板，才得到了升职的机会。
这句话的意思是“他通过不断地奉承老板，才得到了升职的机会。”，'奉承'在这里表示为了个人利益而讨好他人，符合语境。
我不喜欢那些总是___别人的人，我觉得他们不够真诚。
这句话的意思是“我不喜欢那些总是奉承别人的人，我觉得他们不够真诚。”，'奉承'在这里表示不真诚的赞美或讨好，符合语境。
虽然他总是___他的上司，但他的工作能力确实也很强。
这句话的意思是“虽然他总是奉承他的上司，但他的工作能力确实也很强。”，'奉承'在这里表示为了某种目的而讨好上司，符合语境。
她对新来的经理百般___，希望能给他留下好印象。
这句话的意思是“她对新来的经理百般奉承，希望能给他留下好印象。”，'奉承'在这里表示用各种方式讨好他人，符合语境。
他试图用一些甜言蜜语来___那位富有的投资者，以获得资金支持。
这句话的意思是“他试图用一些甜言蜜语来奉承那位富有的投资者，以获得资金支持。”，'奉承'在这里表示通过说好话来讨好他人，符合语境。
她不喜欢别人奉承她，因为她觉得那样很不真实。
这句话的意思是她不喜欢别人奉承她，所以选项C是正确的。
他经常奉承老板，希望能得到提升。
这句话的意思是他经常奉承老板，希望能得到提升，所以选项B是正确的。
有些人为了自己的利益，不惜奉承那些有权势的人。
这句话的意思是有些人为了自己的利益，不惜奉承那些有权势的人，所以选项B是正确的。
奉承通常是出于真诚的赞美。
奉承往往是为了个人目的而非真诚的赞美。
过度奉承可能会让人觉得不舒服。
是的，过度的奉承可能会让人觉得虚伪或不舒服。
在职场中，奉承总能带来积极的效果。
不，在职场中过度或不当的奉承可能会适得其反，给人留下不好的印象。
You overheard a colleague blatantly flattering your boss to get a promotion. Describe your feelings and thoughts about this situation.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
听到同事为了升职而过度奉承老板，我感到有些不快。我认为工作表现和实际能力才应该是晋升的关键，而不是靠奉承。这种行为似乎不太公平，也让我对公司的价值观产生了一些疑问。希望我的努力能被看到，而不是被这种不健康的竞争方式所掩盖。
Write a short paragraph about a situation where someone might use "奉承" and whether you think it's an effective strategy.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
在某些社交场合，人们可能会为了获得他人的好感或利益而奉承对方。例如，一个销售人员可能会奉承客户，以促成交易。我认为短期的奉承可能有效，但长远来看，真诚和实力才是建立良好关系的基石。过度奉承反而可能让人觉得不真诚，甚至产生反感。
Imagine you are a character in a novel. Describe a scene where you witness someone using "奉承" to manipulate another character. How do you react?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
在宴会上，我看到王经理对李总极尽奉承之能事，他那夸张的笑容和言辞让我感到不适。李总似乎很享受这种奉承，完全没有察觉到王经理的真实目的。我站在一旁，默默观察着这一切，心里暗自为李总感到担忧。我决定在适当的时候提醒李总，让他警惕这种表面上的恭维。
根据这段话，小张对奉承的态度是什么？
Read this passage:
小张一直以来都认为，靠实力说话比一味地奉承上司更重要。然而，他发现那些善于奉承的同事往往更容易获得晋升机会，这让他感到非常困惑和失望。他开始怀疑自己的坚持是否正确。
根据这段话，小张对奉承的态度是什么？
文章中明确提到小张认为“靠实力说话比一味地奉承上司更重要”，并且对善于奉承的同事更容易晋升感到困惑和失望，表明他反对奉承。
文章中明确提到小张认为“靠实力说话比一味地奉承上司更重要”，并且对善于奉承的同事更容易晋升感到困惑和失望，表明他反对奉承。
这段话主要想表达什么？
Read this passage:
在职场中，适度的赞美可以增进人际关系，但过度的奉承则可能适得其反。当你的赞美不真诚，或者目的性太强时，很容易被对方识破，从而损害你的形象和信誉。
这段话主要想表达什么？
文章强调了“适度的赞美”和“过度的奉承”的区别，指出过度的奉承会带来负面效果，因此主要表达的是两者之间的区别。
文章强调了“适度的赞美”和“过度的奉承”的区别，指出过度的奉承会带来负面效果，因此主要表达的是两者之间的区别。
关于老李，以下哪项描述是正确的？
Read this passage:
老李在公司里以直言不讳著称，他从不奉承任何人，即使面对上级也是如此。虽然他因此得罪了一些人，但他的真诚和原则赢得了更多人的尊敬。许多同事都愿意向他请教问题，因为他们相信老李会给出最真实的建议。
关于老李，以下哪项描述是正确的？
文章明确提到老李“从不奉承任何人”，并且“他的真诚和原则赢得了更多人的尊敬”。
文章明确提到老李“从不奉承任何人”，并且“他的真诚和原则赢得了更多人的尊敬”。
Choose the sentence where "奉承" is used correctly.
奉承 (fèngcheng) means 'to flatter' or 'to fawn on' someone, often with an ulterior motive. Option A correctly uses it to describe someone flattering their boss for a promotion. The other options use it incorrectly in terms of meaning or grammar.
Which of the following situations most likely involves "奉承"?
奉承 implies insincere praise, often to gain favor. An employee excessively praising mediocre ideas aligns with this definition, as it suggests an attempt to curry favor rather than genuine admiration.
Which word is the closest synonym to "奉承" in the context of insincere praise?
While '赞美' and '表扬' are general terms for praise, '恭维' specifically carries the nuance of flattery, often insincere, similar to '奉承'. '欣赏' means to appreciate, which is different.
A person who is '奉承' others is always genuinely admiring them.
False. '奉承' often implies insincere praise or flattery, given with a motive other than genuine admiration. It suggests an ulterior motive.
When someone '奉承' you, they are trying to make you feel good for their own benefit.
True. The core meaning of '奉承' involves using praise, often insincere, to gain favor or achieve a personal objective from the person being flattered.
It is generally considered a positive trait to be good at '奉承' others.
False. '奉承' often carries negative connotations, suggesting insincerity and manipulation rather than genuine interpersonal skills. It's usually seen as a sign of sycophancy.
He doesn't like others to flatter him.
This kind of flattery sounds very fake.
She always flatters her boss, hoping to get a promotion.
Read this aloud:
不要奉承那些有权势的人。
Focus: fèng chěng
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
他试图用奉承来达到目的。
Focus: dá dào mù dì
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
我对那些奉承者感到厌烦。
Focus: yàn fán
قلت:
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Imagine you are writing a letter of recommendation for a colleague who is excellent at networking and building relationships. How would you describe their ability to 'flatter' or 'fawn on' others in a professional, yet honest way, using 奉承 to explain how they achieve their networking goals? Write 3-4 sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
张明在职场上极具天赋，尤其擅长处理复杂的人际关系。他懂得适度地奉承他人，以建立良好的第一印象并赢得对方的信任。这种能力使他在各种社交场合中如鱼得水，从而为公司争取到不少宝贵的合作机会。
Describe a scenario where excessive 奉承 could lead to negative consequences in a friendship or family relationship. Use 奉承 in your description. Write 3-4 sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
在友情中，过度的奉承往往会适得其反。如果一个人总是对朋友阿谀奉承，不表达真实想法，这段友谊很快就会变得不真诚。久而久之，朋友可能会觉得对方是在利用自己，而非真心相待，最终导致关系的破裂。
You are writing a character analysis for a novel. One of your characters, a cunning advisor, often uses 奉承 to manipulate their ruler. Describe how this character employs 奉承 to gain influence. Write 3-4 sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
小说中的谋士李斯深谙帝王心术。他总是通过精心的奉承来迎合君主的喜好，巧妙地将自己的建议包装成对君主英明决策的赞美。这种策略让他不仅获得了君主的信任，更在朝堂上积累了无人能及的影响力，从而一步步实现了自己的政治抱负。
根据这段文字，那些善于奉承的臣子最终可能对国家带来什么影响？
Read this passage:
在古代宫廷中，那些善于奉承的臣子往往能获得皇帝的宠幸，但也因此常常被正直的大臣所不齿。他们用甜言蜜语编织出一张张精巧的网，将皇帝牢牢地困在其中，使其远离真实的声音。长此以往，国家政务便可能被这些谗言所左右，最终导致严重的后果。
根据这段文字，那些善于奉承的臣子最终可能对国家带来什么影响？
文章明确指出“长此以往，国家政务便可能被这些谗言所左右，最终导致严重的后果。”，因此选项C是正确的。
文章明确指出“长此以往，国家政务便可能被这些谗言所左右，最终导致严重的后果。”，因此选项C是正确的。
这段文字主要强调了在职场中关于奉承的什么观点？
Read this passage:
现代职场中，适度的奉承有时被视为一种社交技巧，有助于建立良好的人际关系。然而，一旦这种奉承失去了真诚的底线，变成了阿谀奉承，就会被他人视为虚伪，反而损害个人形象。真正的尊重和认可，从来都不是通过虚假的奉承获得的。
这段文字主要强调了在职场中关于奉承的什么观点？
文章提到“适度的奉承有时被视为一种社交技巧”，但“一旦这种奉承失去了真诚的底线，变成了阿谀奉承，就会被他人视为虚伪”，因此强调了奉承的适度性和真诚的重要性。
文章提到“适度的奉承有时被视为一种社交技巧”，但“一旦这种奉承失去了真诚的底线，变成了阿谀奉承，就会被他人视为虚伪”，因此强调了奉承的适度性和真诚的重要性。
文学作品中运用奉承的主要作用是什么？
Read this passage:
在文学作品中，奉承常常是刻画人物性格和推动情节发展的关键元素。比如，一个反派角色可能会通过奉承来迷惑主角，或者一个喜剧角色会因为不合时宜的奉承而引发一系列笑料。通过对奉承的运用，作者能够更深入地展现人性的复杂性和社会的多样性。
文学作品中运用奉承的主要作用是什么？
文章明确指出“奉承常常是刻画人物性格和推动情节发展的关键元素”，因此选项C是正确的。
文章明确指出“奉承常常是刻画人物性格和推动情节发展的关键元素”，因此选项C是正确的。
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Summary
Use 奉承 when someone is praising another person in a way that feels insincere or self-serving.
- Insincere praise
- Fawning behavior
- Seeking favor
Basic Meaning
奉承 (fèngcheng) means to flatter or to fawn on someone. It often implies insincere praise.
Usage with Objects
You can use it directly with a person as the object. For example, 他喜欢奉承老板 (Tā xǐhuān fèngcheng lǎobǎn) – He likes to flatter his boss.
Negative Connotation
Generally, 奉承 has a negative connotation. It suggests that the praise is not genuine but has an ulterior motive.
Synonyms to Differentiate
Don't confuse it with 夸奖 (kuājiǎng) which means to praise sincerely. 奉承 is usually insincere.
محتوى ذو صلة
هذه الكلمة بلغات أخرى
مزيد من كلمات daily_life
朝九晚五
B2From nine to five; regular working hours.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
B2Abundant; ample.
充沛
B2Abundant; plentiful; full of energy.
门禁卡
B2Access card; entry card.
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.
