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.
この映画のセリフはとても印象的だ。
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.
彼のセリフにはいつも驚かされる。
I'm always surprised by the things he says.
そんなセリフを言うなんて、らしくないね。
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).
またそのセリフか、と彼はうんざりした。
He was fed up with hearing that same old line again.
政治家のお決まりのセリフにはもう慣れた。
I've gotten used to politicians' stock phrases.
He delivered his lines while feeling nervous.
"I'm busy today" is his usual line.
The new actor memorizes his lines every night.
I got nervous and stumbled over my lines.
parting shot; sharp parting remark; parting threat
signature phrase; catchphrase; trademark line
Kanji spelling; the reading せりふ is a jukujikun. The alternative reading だいし is rare and not used in modern Japanese.
Hiragana spelling, also common.
Rarely used kanji form.