フレーズ
Furēzu
The English word 'phrase' is translated into Japanese as フレーズ (Furēzu).
フレーズ is a katakana loanword primarily used in technical contexts, such as referring to a musical phrase or within the fields of linguistics and language learning.
Which one should you use?
While フレーズ is used for technical or linguistic terms, the native Japanese word 言い回し is often preferred when you are referring to a specific way of expressing an idea or a particular turn of phrase.
How do you pronounce it?
Furēzu
Did you know?
- The word 言い回し, used for a 'turn of phrase', literally translates to 'a way of winding or circling a saying'.
- While 'phrase' in English is a linguistic term, in Japanese pop culture, the katakana word フレーズ is more commonly used to describe a catchy musical hook.
- While フレーズ is used for music, the word 句 (ku) is the standard term used in Japanese poetry, such as in Haiku, to refer to a phrase or a line.
Examples in context
- このフレーズを覚えてください。Kono furēzu o oboete kudasai.Please remember this phrase.
- 新しいフレーズを練習しています。Atarashii furēzu o renshū shite imasu.I am practicing a new phrase.
- そのフレーズの意味は何ですか？Sono furēzu no imi wa nan desu ka?What is the meaning of that phrase?
Example conversation
Hiyori and Kenta are studying English together.
- 陽葵 Himari健太さん、このフレーズはどういう意味？Kenta-san, kono furēzu wa dō iu imi?Kenta, what does this phrase mean?
- 健太 Kentaそれは「お疲れ様」に近い意味だよ。Sore wa "otsukaresama" ni chikai imi dayo.It has a meaning close to "good job".
- 陽葵 Himariなるほど。使いやすそうなフレーズだね。Naruhodo. Tsukai-yasusō na furēzu dane.I see. It seems like a phrase that's easy to use.
- 健太 Kentaうん、どんどん使ってみて。Un, dondon tsukatte mite.Yeah, try using it often.
