“奉承者”常见的英文表达是 flatterer 或 sycophant。
flatterer 侧重于指那些通过说好话、阿谀奉承来取悦他人的人,重点在于言语上的讨好。例如:He is a flatterer who always praises his boss excessively.(他是个奉承者,总是过度地赞美他的老板。)
sycophant 语义更重,常用来形容那些为了个人利益,不择手段地谄媚权贵、极尽逢迎之能事的人,带有更强的贬义色彩。例如:The sycophant in the court was known for his insincere flattery.(宫廷里的那个奉承者以他虚伪的谄媚而闻名。 )