称赞 is a verb meaning 'to praise' or 'to commend'—it expresses positive recognition of someone’s qualities, actions, or achievements. The first character, 称 (chēng), means 'to call' or 'to refer to', and often carries the sense of acknowledging something formally or respectfully. The second character, 赞 (zàn), means 'to praise' or 'to laud', emphasizing approval and admiration. Together, they form a compound verb that conveys sincere, often public or socially appropriate, appreciation—not just casual approval but respectful affirmation.

This word is commonly used in formal, educational, or professional contexts: teachers may 称赞 students for good work; managers may 称赞 employees for dedication; and people may 称赞 friends for kindness or integrity. It’s more elevated than everyday words like 表扬 (biǎo yáng) and less intense than 崇拜 (chóng bài, 'to worship'). It frequently appears with objects (e.g., 称赞他的努力) or in structures like 被称赞 (‘be praised’) or 得到称赞 (‘receive praise’).