Japanese word

絶賛

Pronunciation

Romajizessan

Meaning

  • nounhigh praise

Example

その作品は海外でも絶賛されました。so no saku hin wa kai gai de mo zes san sa re ma shi ta

The work received high praise overseas.

Illustration for 絶賛 (high praise)

More examples

その演技は国内外で絶賛に値します。so no en gi wa koku nai gai de zes san ni atai shi ma su

That performance deserves high praise both in Japan and abroad.

Core concept

Marks a judgment of exceptional merit expressed through unusually strong approval.

Common phrases

  • 絶賛に値するzes san ni atai su ru

    deserve high praise

  • 絶賛を受けるzes san o u ke ru

    receive high praise

Similar words

賞賛shōsan: Praise that expresses admiration for a person, work, or achievement.
激賞gekishō: Extremely enthusiastic praise for outstanding merit.
称賛shōsan: Praise that openly recognizes admirable qualities or results.

Definition in Japanese

人や作品などの価値を非常に高く認めて、盛んにほめること。hito ya saku hin na do no ka chi o hi jō ni taka ku mito me te saka n ni ho me ru ko to

Word origin

絶賛 (zessan) consists of 絶 (zetsu, "surpass") and 賛 (san, "praise"), so its form points to praise that exceeds normal levels.

Usage tips

  • Japanese reviews often use 絶賛 (zessan) for a work that earns repeated strong approval from critics or audiences rather than mild favorable comments.

Opposites

  • 酷評kokuhyōharsh criticismnoun

Related words

  • 絶賛するzessansurupraise highlyverb

Word lists with this word