How to Say ‘Wait, is that a compliment?’ in Japanese
え、それ褒めてます？
e sore home te masu
[eh soh-reh hoh-MEH te mahs]
🇯🇵 In Japan: Mock suspicion like this plays along with the teasing. In Japan it reads as flirtatious banter, not offense.
Phrase Breakdown
え
e
[eh]
eh?; what?
An interjection showing surprise or mild disbelief.
え、本当ですか。
Eh, really?
それ
sore
[soh-reh]
that; it
Refers to something the other person said. In interviews, interviewers use it to react to your answer.
それは良い経験ですね。
That’s a good experience.
褒め
home
[hoh-MEH]
to praise; to compliment
Stem of 褒める.
先生に褒められた。
I was praised by the teacher.
て
te
[te]
te-form ending
Connects actions in sequence, like 'and' or 'then'.
ドアが開いて、入ります。
The door opens, and then I go in.
ます
masu
[mahs]
polite verb ending
A standard polite ending added to verbs, often used in customer service and formal speech.
予約を確認し ます。
I will confirm the reservation.
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