恭维

gōng wei

HSK 3.0 Level 7 Verb Uncommon

Save to list

Definitions

1. to praise
2. to speak highly of
3. compliment
4. praise

Stop forgetting what you study.
Build recall daily.

Try HanyuGuide's Chinese review system with multiple choice, typed recall, tone-aware practice, and reviews scheduled before memory fades.

Start Free Trial · $49.99 / year

Sign up with Google

Did Google show an error? Sorry about that. Use your email below instead.

Continue with Email

Lifetime for $119.99 Try a practice session

Word relationships

Antonyms

1 item

• 批评 pī píng 批评 pī píng to criticize: to criticize

Related words

1 item

• 表扬 biǎo yáng 表扬 biǎo yáng to praise 真诚的赞美: to praise

Synonyms

1 item

• 奉承 fèng cheng 奉承 fèng cheng to fawn on 过度的赞美: to fawn on

Usage notes

Collocations

Common in the phrase 不敢恭维 (I wouldn't praise it), expressing polite disapproval.

Formality

恭维 is often used in formal contexts or when the praise may be insincere.

Example Sentences

1 shown

我不敢 恭维 他的做法。

I can't say I admire his way of doing things.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Words Containing 恭维

• 不敢恭维 不敢恭维 bù gǎn gōng wei: to be underwhelmed

Child Words of 恭维

• 恭 恭 gōng: respectful
• 维 维 wéi: to preserve