noun
conventional phrase; stock expression; cliché; platitude
Refers to a set phrase or expression that is overused and lacks originality, often with a negative connotation.
彼のスピーチは常套表現ばかりで、退屈だった。
His speech was full of clichés and was boring.
就職活動の面接では、常套表現を避けて自分の言葉で話すことが大切だ。
In job interviews, it's important to avoid stock phrases and speak in your own words.
Compound of 常套 (じょうとう, 'conventional, routine') and 表現 (ひょうげん, 'expression'). 常套 itself derives from 常 (じょう, 'usual') and 套 (とう, 'set, pattern').