Translation guide
Describes an idea, remark, or expression that is overused and consequently lacks freshness or impact. In Japanese, this is often expressed through words meaning 'commonplace', 'clichéd', or 'worn out'.
To say that a phrase, idea, or story is trite because it has been used too often.
The most common and neutral way to say something is trite, commonplace, or run-of-the-mill. Can be used for remarks, ideas, stories, etc.
Specifically referring to a trite phrase, saying, or cliché.
ありきたり is the everyday word for 'commonplace' or 'trite', while 陳腐 is more emphatic and often used in critical writing. ありきたり can sometimes be neutral, just meaning 'ordinary', but context makes it negative.
彼のスピーチはありきたりだった。
His speech was trite.
ありきたりな表現は避けましょう。
Let's avoid trite expressions.
A slightly more formal or literary term for trite, stale, or hackneyed. Often used in writing or criticism.
その映画の筋書きは陳腐だ。
The movie's plot is trite.
Literally 'worn out from use', this emphasizes that something has been used so much it has lost its freshness. Often modifies 表現 (expression) or 言葉 (word).
使い古された比喩は避けるべきだ。
You should avoid trite metaphors.
Means commonplace, trite, or mediocre. Slightly old-fashioned or literary. Often used for ideas or expressions.
月並みな意見しか出なかった。
Only trite opinions were offered.
A set phrase or cliché. Neutral, but often implies lack of originality when used in context.
彼の答えは決まり文句ばかりだった。
His answers were full of trite phrases.
A conventional phrase or cliché. Slightly more formal than 決まり文句.
スピーチは常套句で溢れていた。
The speech was full of trite expressions.