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定番 (ていばん, teiban) Japanese meaning: standard item | Kotomora
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The standard menu item at this restaurant is curry rice.
I'm already tired of his go-to joke.
Usage patterns 定てい 番ばん の 〈 物もの 〉 the classic/standard ~
Curry is a classic dish in Japan.
〈 物もの 〉 が 定てい 番ばん だ ~ is the go-to/standard choice
In summer, beer is the classic go-to drink.
〈 物もの 〉 を 定てい 番ばん にする to make ~ a staple/regular choice
This shop keeps black suits as a permanent staple item.
〈 物もの 〉 が 定てい 番ばん となる ~ becomes an established staple/classic
That joke became a running classic in the class.
Kanji 定 determine, fix, establish 番 turn, number in a series Related words· 7 定番 describes something reliably chosen because it's popular or expected, while 王道 emphasizes the 'proven, classic path' often in creative or strategic contexts.
鉄板 is a casual slang synonym for 定番, stressing that something is a guaranteed sure-thing (e.g. a joke or method) rather than just a popular staple.
標準 is a neutral, technical word for 'standard' with no implication of popularity, unlike 定番 which implies something people habitually choose or love.
定番 describes a standard, go-to item popular in general, while 御用達 specifically frames something as favored by a particular group or clientele.
Show 3 more 定番 describes a standard, staple item that never goes out of fashion, whereas お馴染み focuses on being familiar or well-known through repeated exposure.
定番 describes a tried-and-true classic with a positive, reliable image, while お決まり often implies predictability that can feel unoriginal or clichéd.
定番 describes a standard, always-available classic item regardless of sales figures, while ロングセラー specifically highlights a track record of continued strong sales.
Don't confuse with 定番 (a staple/classic item) and 定説 (an established theory or accepted view) share the kanji 定 but apply to completely different domains.
定番 means 'the standard/classic choice' in general, while 定食 specifically means a fixed set meal at a restaurant.
Etymology From 定 (fixed, regular) and 番 (number, order). Originally a retail term for items with stable demand, later broadened to mean any standard or classic choice.
