Translation guide
A catchphrase is a memorable phrase associated with a person, character, or brand. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific terms for signature phrases, as well as through common expressions used in media and everyday life.
彼の決め台詞は何ですか？
What is his catchphrase?
それが私の決め台詞です！
That's my catchphrase!
A phrase that a person or fictional character is known for saying repeatedly.
Literally 'deciding line', this is the most common term for a character's signature phrase in anime, manga, or drama. It emphasizes that the phrase is a trademark.
彼の決め台詞は「真実はいつも一つ」だ。
His catchphrase is 'There is always only one truth.'
Literally 'mouth habit', this refers to a phrase someone says out of habit, often unconsciously. It can be a catchphrase but is more about habitual speech.
「やばい」が彼女の口癖だ。
'Yabai' is her catchphrase (habitual saying).
A loanword from English, used for marketing slogans or taglines, but also for personal catchphrases in a media context.
その芸人のキャッチフレーズは「そんなの関係ねえ」です。
That comedian's catchphrase is 'Sonna no kankei nee'.
A short, memorable phrase used in advertising or promotion.
The standard term for advertising slogans. It is widely understood and used in business contexts.
この商品のキャッチフレーズは「朝の一杯、元気の源」です。
This product's catchphrase is 'A morning cup, a source of energy.'
A more formal term for a motto or slogan, often used for public campaigns or company mottos.
Loanword 'slogan', used similarly to English for political or organizational messages.
決め台詞 is a deliberate, often dramatic signature phrase of a character or performer. 口癖 is an unconscious habitual phrase someone says often. キャッチフレーズ is a marketing slogan or a catchphrase consciously created for a person or product.
The English word 'catchphrase' is often rendered as キャッチフレーズ, but this is mainly for commercial slogans. For a character's signature line, 決め台詞 is more natural.
主人公の決め台詞は「また戻ってくる」です。
The hero's catchphrase is 'I'll be back.'
彼女はいつも「ありえない！」が口癖だ。
She always says 'No way!' as her catchphrase.
Please think of a traffic safety catchphrase.
選挙のスローガンは「変えよう、未来を」だった。
The election catchphrase was 'Let's change the future.'