Inklingo

How to Say "flattery" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cumplido

koom-PLEE-doh/kumˈpliðo/

nounB1general
Use 'cumplido' when referring to praise that is excessive or insincere, even if it's delivered as a compliment.
A happy character giving a single brightly colored flower to a second character who is blushing, illustrating a compliment or piece of praise.

Examples

Sus palabras de admiración sonaban a cumplido, pero sospecho que no eran sinceras.

His words of admiration sounded like flattery, but I suspect they weren't sincere.

Ella me hizo un cumplido muy bonito sobre mi vestido.

She gave me a very nice compliment about my dress.

A veces, recibir un cumplido sincero te alegra el día.

Sometimes, receiving a sincere compliment brightens your day.

No te lo tomes en serio, solo es un cumplido para quedar bien.

Don't take it seriously, it's just a compliment (flattery) to look good.

pelota

peh-LOH-tah/peˈlota/

nounC1informal
Use 'pelota' to describe flattery that is clearly aimed at gaining favor or advantage, often implying brown-nosing or sycophancy.
A small, smiling fox eagerly offers a ridiculously large, sparkling, heart-shaped jewel to a majestic, seated lion, symbolizing flattery.

Examples

Le llovieron las alabanzas, pero era solo pelota para que le dieran el puesto.

Praise rained down on him, but it was just flattery to get him the job.

No le creas, eso es pura pelota para conseguir el ascenso.

Don't believe him, that's pure flattery (or brown-nosing) to get the promotion.

A mí no me gusta hacer la pelota a nadie.

I don't like sucking up to anyone.

Use with 'Hacer'

This figurative meaning almost always appears in the phrase 'hacer la pelota' (to do the flattery), meaning 'to try to please someone important by complimenting them too much.'

Cumplido vs. Pelota

Learners often confuse 'cumplido' and 'pelota.' Remember that 'cumplido' can be a simple compliment, but when used for flattery, it implies insincerity. 'Pelota' is always negative, specifically referring to sycophantic praise to gain favor.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.