What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of yoku (often), tsukawareru (is used) and furēzu (phrase).
Which one should you use?
Another way to say "common phrases" or "standard phrases" is 定番のフレーズ (teiban no furēzu), which implies that the phrases are a staple or a classic.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Kyoto, people use the phrase Okini instead of Arigatou to express gratitude informally.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word tsukawareru is the passive form of the verb tsukau (to use), which literally means "is used".
How do you pronounce it?
yoku tsukawareru furēzu
When do people say it?
When using common phrases, remember to choose the correct level of politeness. For example, use Arigatou gozaimasu for "Thank you" in formal situations, but Arigatou is used for "Thank you" in informal situations. Similarly, use Ogenki desu ka? for "How are you?" formally, while Genki? is the informal version. For "Goodbye", use Ja ne in informal settings. To ask "Can I have the bill, please?" formally, say Okaikei o onegaishimasu. For "Excuse me", use the formal Sumimasen. In informal settings, you can say Doumo for "You're welcome".
Did you know?
- The term 定番 (teiban) used for 'staple phrases' originally referred to the fixed layout of a traditional stage in Kabuki theater.
- While ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu) is a common phrase for thanks, it is often said in the past tense ありがとうございました (arigatou gozaimashita) once a favor is completed.
- In Japanese, common phrases like すみません (sumimasen) can function as 'thank you' 'sorry' and 'excuse me' depending on the context.
Examples in context
- これは日本でよく使われるフレーズです。Kore wa Nihon de yoku tsukawareru furēzu desu.This is a common phrase used in Japan.
- もっとよく使われるフレーズを教えてください。Motto yoku tsukawareru furēzu o oshiete kudasai.Please teach me more common phrases.
Example conversation
Hiroto and Yui are studying Japanese together.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの本にはよく使われるフレーズがたくさんあるね。Kono hon ni wa yoku tsukawareru furēzu ga takusan aru ne.This book has a lot of common phrases, doesn't it?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、とても役に立つと思うよ。Un, totemo yaku ni tatsu to omou yo.Yeah, I think they are very useful.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣はどのフレーズが一番好き？Yui wa dono furēzu ga ichiban suki?Yui, which phrase do you like the most?
- 結衣 Yui私は挨拶のフレーズが一番好きかな。Watashi wa aisatsu no furēzu ga ichiban suki kana.I think I like greeting phrases the most.
