セリフ
Meanings
line; spoken line
Refers to a character's spoken line in a play, film, TV show, comic, etc. Often used in the plural sense of 'one's lines'.
He forgot his lines on stage.
The lines in this movie are very memorable.
Used for something someone says, often with a nuance of being a notable or characteristic remark. Can be used in everyday conversation.
I'm always surprised by the things he says.
That's not like you to say something like that.
stock phrase; cliché; platitude
Refers to a predictable or overused phrase, often with a negative or ironic nuance. Common in expressions like お決まりのセリフ (the usual line).
He was fed up with hearing that same old line again.
I've gotten used to politicians' stock phrases.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉がセリフを言うfor someone to say/deliver their lines
He delivered his lines while feeling nervous.
- お決まりのセリフthe usual stock phrase; a predictable line
"I'm busy today" is his usual line.
- セリフを覚えるto memorize one's lines
The new actor memorizes his lines every night.
- セリフを噛むto fumble or stumble over one's lines
I got nervous and stumbled over my lines.