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.
彼のスピーチは決まり文句ばかりだった。
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.
謝罪文には常套句が並んでいた。
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.
またそのお決まりのフレーズか。
That stock phrase again?
A phrase whose meaning is not literal, like a proverb or idiomatic expression.
Refers to idiomatic phrases or set expressions. This is the standard term for idioms in Japanese.
「腹が立つ」は怒りを表す慣用句です。
'Hara ga tatsu' is an idiomatic phrase meaning to get angry.
A set phrase or idiom, often used in linguistic contexts. More formal than 慣用句.
A phrase that has become trite or unoriginal through overuse.
Literally 'stale expression'. Used when a stock phrase feels worn out or lacks originality.
その映画は陳腐な表現で溢れている。
That movie is full of clichéd expressions.
Loanword from French/English. Commonly used in creative writing or criticism to mean cliché.
彼の小説はクリシェだらけだ。
His novel is full of clichés.
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.
旅行の時に便利なフレーズを覚えましょう。
Let's memorize some useful phrases for traveling.
Also used for practical set phrases, though it can sound slightly rigid. Good for polite formulas.
挨拶の決まり文句を練習する。
Practice stock phrases for greetings.
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.