Translation guide
The English word 'commonplace' can mean ordinary, unremarkable, or frequently encountered. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these meanings, from everyday adjectives to set phrases.
Describing something as not unusual, just average, or lacking distinction.
The most direct equivalent for 'commonplace' as an adjective. Means 'common', 'ordinary', 'nothing special'. Often used for things that are so common they're unremarkable.
That's a commonplace story.
A commonplace scene from everyday life.
Means 'ordinary', 'mediocre', 'commonplace'. Often used for people, lives, or things lacking distinction. Slightly more formal than ありふれた.
I lead a commonplace life.
His ideas are commonplace.
The most basic word for 'ordinary' or 'normal'. Very common in speech. Can imply 'nothing special' depending on context.
I'm just a commonplace office worker.
Literally 'monthly', meaning trite, hackneyed, commonplace. Often used for ideas, expressions, or events that lack originality.
Only commonplace opinions were offered.
Describing something that is commonly encountered, not rare.
Means 'common', 'frequently occurring'. Used for events, situations, mistakes, etc. Very natural in conversation.
That's a commonplace mistake.
It's a commonplace occurrence.
Means 'general', 'common', 'widespread'. Slightly more formal, often used in explanations or written contexts.
Means 'everyday', 'routine'. Emphasizes that something is part of daily life and thus commonplace.
It's a commonplace sight.
Referring to a statement or idea that is overused and lacks freshness.
Means 'clichéd remark', 'platitude'. 陳腐 means stale, hackneyed. Used for overused expressions.
His speech was full of commonplaces.
ありきたり means 'common', 'run-of-the-mill'. Combined with 言葉, it refers to a commonplace phrase or cliché.
Means 'set phrase', 'cliché'. Often used for formulaic expressions in speeches or writing.
ありふれた emphasizes that something is commonly found and thus unremarkable. 平凡な focuses on the lack of special qualities, often with a nuance of mediocrity. 平凡な is more often used for people and their lives, while ありふれた is used for objects, events, and stories.
a commonplace landscape
a commonplace (ordinary) life
English uses 'commonplace' as a noun meaning a trite saying. Japanese does not have a single noun equivalent. Use phrases like 陳腐な言葉 or 決まり文句 instead of trying to translate the word directly.
This phenomenon is quite commonplace.
I was consoled with commonplace words.
That's just a commonplace.