口癖
Meanings
1
pet phrase; favorite saying; catchphrase
A phrase someone says repeatedly or characteristically, often without noticing it. It can be affectionate, neutral, or mildly critical depending on context.
His pet phrase is, “Well, somehow it will work out.”
The teacher was always saying, “First, let’s try it.”
2
speech habit; characteristic way of talking
Can refer more broadly to a habitual verbal tic or manner of speaking, not only to one fixed catchphrase.
His speech habit is adding sa to the ends of sentences.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉が口癖になるfor something to become someone's pet phrase
"It's fine" has become his catchphrase.
- 口癖のように〈事〉と言うto say something as if it were one's catchphrase, i.e. repeatedly and habitually
My mother always says "go to bed early" like it's her catchphrase.
- 口癖が出るfor a speech habit to slip out (usually unconsciously)
His verbal tic comes out when he's nervous.