Kuājiǎng is a common Chinese verb meaning to praise or commend, used to express positive recognition and admiration for someone's actions or achievements.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To praise or commend someone's good work.
- Expresses positive affirmation and admiration.
- Common in daily life, education, and work.
Overview
夸奖 (kuājiǎng) 是一个非常常用的中文词语，属于 A2 级别的词汇。它表示对他人行为、能力或成就表示赞扬、肯定和表扬。这个词语带有积极的情感色彩，通常用于人际交往中，用来鼓励他人，增进友谊，或者表达对他人付出的认可。
夸奖 主要用作动词，后面可以直接跟名词（被夸奖的对象）或者代词。例如：老师夸奖了学生。爸爸夸奖了我。也可以跟形容词或短语，说明夸奖的具体内容。例如：妈妈夸奖他很懂事。大家夸奖她的画画得好。
在口语中，人们也常用“表扬”来表达类似的意思，但“夸奖”更侧重于发自内心的赞美和欣赏，有时也带有一点点“得意”的意味，比如被夸奖后感到高兴。
夸奖 也可以用作名词，但相对少见，通常指“被夸奖的话”或“赞扬”。例如：他的话里没有多少夸奖。
艺术文化：评论家夸奖艺术家的作品。
- 1表扬 (biǎoyáng)：与“夸奖”意思非常接近，都是表示赞扬。但“表扬”更正式，常用于官方或公开场合，如学校对学生的表扬、单位对员工的表扬。而“夸奖”则更口语化，情感色彩更丰富，可以用于更私人的场合，有时也包含一点点“得意”的成分。
Examples
妈妈夸奖我这次考试考得很好。
everydayMom praised me for doing very well on this exam.
经理在全体会议上夸奖了小张的创新方案。
formalThe manager praised Xiao Zhang's innovative proposal at the all-hands meeting.
你做的这个蛋糕真好吃，我得好好夸奖你一下！
informalThis cake you made is delicious, I have to praise you properly!
评论家夸奖这部电影的导演在叙事手法上有所突破。
academicThe critic praised the film's director for breakthroughs in narrative techniques.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
值得夸奖
worthy of praise
被夸奖
to be praised
好好夸奖
to praise well/thoroughly
Often Confused With
While both mean 'to praise', '表扬' is often more formal and official, used in contexts like school or work reports. '夸奖' is more common in everyday conversation and can carry a warmer, more personal tone.
'批评' means 'to criticize', which is the opposite of '夸奖'. '夸奖' expresses approval and admiration, while '批评' expresses disapproval and points out faults.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Generally used in positive contexts to acknowledge good performance or qualities. It's suitable for both spoken and written communication, though slightly more common in informal settings. Can be used to praise effort, skill, or results.
Common Mistakes
Using '夸奖' for negative feedback is incorrect; the opposite is '批评' (criticize). Avoid using it in very formal, official commendations where '表扬' might be more appropriate. Do not confuse its usage with '赞美' which implies a higher degree of admiration.
Tips
Be specific when praising
Instead of a general 'good job', specify what was good. For example, 'I really admire how you handled that difficult client' is more impactful than just 'good job'.
Avoid insincere praise
Overuse or insincere praise can lose its meaning and even be perceived negatively. Ensure your compliments are genuine and appropriate for the situation.
Humility in receiving praise
In Chinese culture, while receiving praise is positive, excessive boasting or showing off is often discouraged. A humble response is generally appreciated.
Word Origin
The character 夸 (kuā) means 'to boast' or 'to exaggerate', but in this context, it implies speaking out loudly or extensively. 奖 (jiǎng) means 'prize' or 'reward', implying positive recognition. Together, they form the idea of speaking out to give recognition or praise.
Cultural Context
Giving and receiving praise is an important part of social interaction in China. Genuine praise can be a strong motivator, while excessive or insincere praise can be viewed negatively. Humility when receiving praise is often valued.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone 'kuā' (calling out loudly) to 'jiǎng' (give) praise for a job well done. It's an outward expression of positive recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“夸奖”更偏向口语化和个人情感的表达，常用于朋友、家人之间，有时带点开心的意味。“表扬”则更正式，多用于公开场合或上级对下级的肯定。
当你想对某人的优点、努力或成就表示真诚的赞赏和肯定时，可以用“夸奖”。尤其是在非正式场合，用来鼓励和表达喜爱。
可以，但不太常用。作为名词时，指赞扬的话语或行为。例如：“他的话里没有多少夸奖。”
通常“夸奖”的对象是人，用来赞扬人的能力、行为或成就。虽然有时也可以夸奖某人做的东西（如“夸奖你做的饭很好吃”），但直接夸奖无生命的“事物”较少见，更常用“赞美”或“称赞”。
Test Yourself
老师经常_____同学们认真听讲。
句意是老师肯定同学们听讲的行为，所以“夸奖”最合适。
下列哪个词语最接近“夸奖”的意思？
“赞扬”和“夸奖”都表示对他人表示肯定和赞美。
请用“夸奖”和“孩子”、“听话”组成一个句子。
这个句子结构完整，意思通顺，表达了对孩子听话行为的赞扬。
Score: /3
Summary
Kuājiǎng is a common Chinese verb meaning to praise or commend, used to express positive recognition and admiration for someone's actions or achievements.
- To praise or commend someone's good work.
- Expresses positive affirmation and admiration.
- Common in daily life, education, and work.
Be specific when praising
Instead of a general 'good job', specify what was good. For example, 'I really admire how you handled that difficult client' is more impactful than just 'good job'.
Avoid insincere praise
Overuse or insincere praise can lose its meaning and even be perceived negatively. Ensure your compliments are genuine and appropriate for the situation.
Humility in receiving praise
In Chinese culture, while receiving praise is positive, excessive boasting or showing off is often discouraged. A humble response is generally appreciated.
Examples
4 of 4妈妈夸奖我这次考试考得很好。
Mom praised me for doing very well on this exam.
经理在全体会议上夸奖了小张的创新方案。
The manager praised Xiao Zhang's innovative proposal at the all-hands meeting.
你做的这个蛋糕真好吃，我得好好夸奖你一下！
This cake you made is delicious, I have to praise you properly!
评论家夸奖这部电影的导演在叙事手法上有所突破。
The critic praised the film's director for breakthroughs in narrative techniques.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
可恶
A2Hateful; detestable; abominable.
心不在焉
A2Absent-minded; preoccupied.
接受地
A2Acceptingly; receptively.
成就感
B1Sense of achievement; fulfillment.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
上瘾
B1To be addicted to something.
沉迷
A2To be addicted to; to be engrossed in.
敬佩
B1Admiration; respect; reverence.
佩服
B1To admire; to respect.
