Translation guide
A fixed or commonly used expression. In Japanese, this can refer to set phrases, idiomatic expressions, or clichés. The best translation depends on whether you mean a useful conversational phrase, a literary cliché, or a fixed saying.
A phrase that is used frequently in conversation or writing, often as a polite formula or a standard response.
The most direct equivalent for 'stock phrase'. It refers to a fixed, conventional expression used in specific situations, like greetings or apologies.
His speech was full of stock phrases.
Similar to 決まり文句, but often implies a conventional or trite phrase. Slightly more formal or literary.
The apology letter was filled with stock phrases.
A casual way to say 'the usual phrase' or 'that stock phrase'. Often used in everyday conversation.
That stock phrase again?
A phrase whose meaning is not literal, like a proverb or idiomatic expression.
A phrase that has become trite or unoriginal through overuse.
A practical phrase that learners memorize for common situations, like 'thank you' or 'excuse me'.
Means 'useful phrase'. Often used in language learning contexts to refer to stock phrases that are handy to know.
Let's memorize some useful phrases for traveling.
Also used for practical set phrases, though it can sound slightly rigid. Good for polite formulas.
決まり文句 refers to fixed expressions used in social situations (like 'お世話になっております'), while 慣用句 refers to idiomatic phrases whose meaning is not literal (like '油を売る'). Use 決まり文句 for formulaic language and 慣用句 for idioms.
The English phrase 'stock phrase' is not used in Japanese. Do not translate it word-for-word as '在庫フレーズ' or similar. Use the terms above depending on context.
The origin of this set phrase is old.
Practice stock phrases for greetings.