フレーズ
The Japanese word for 'phrases' is フレーズ.
フレーズ is used to refer to general linguistic units or musical phrases. If you are specifically referring to an idiom or a set phrase, the term 慣用句 (kan'yoku) is more appropriate.
What does it mean word for word?
フレーズ is a loanword from the English word 'phrase' written in Katakana.
How does it change in a sentence?
Japanese nouns do not change form for plurality, so フレーズ can mean both 'phrase' and 'phrases'.
Did you know?
- Japanese has a concept called 定型句 (teikeiku), which refers to 'fixed phrases'. These are social scripts, like those used in business emails, that must be used exactly as written to avoid being impolite.
- Unlike English, where 'phrase' is a general term, Japanese often uses 言い回し (iimawashi) to describe the specific 'way of phrasing' something. It literally means 'the way of turning a saying'.
- Japanese learners often encounter 決まり文句 (kimari monku), which are 'set phrases' or clichés. These are often used in comedy routines to signal a predictable punchline to the audience.
Examples in context
- 単語やフレーズをたくさん暗記しなきゃいけないんだよ。I have to learn many words and phrases by heart.This sentence is useful for discussing the necessity of memorizing many words and フレーズ.Tatoeba #10679863 by bunbuku, translation #259385 by CM
- フランス語でよく使えるフレーズって何かあるか？So do you have any phrases that you can use a lot in French?This sentence is useful for asking about common フレーズ used in French.Tatoeba #4580687 by Wemix, translation #5366252 by kemushi69
- 便利なフレーズをいくつか教えてください。Benri na fureezu o ikutsuka oshiete kudasai.Please tell me a few useful phrases.
Example conversation
A student asks a classmate for help with English study.
- 大翔 Hiroto英語の勉強で、覚えやすいフレーズはある？Eigo no benkyou de, oboeyasui fureezu wa aru?Are there any easy-to-remember phrases for English study?
- 結衣 Yuiこのフレーズは、日常会話でよく使うよ。Kono fureezu wa, nichijou kaiwa de yoku tsukau yo.This phrase is used often in daily conversation.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣さんは、どうやって覚えているの？Yui-san wa, dou yatte oboete iru no?How do you memorize them, Yui?
- 結衣 Yui何度も口に出して練習しているよ。Nando mo kuchi ni dashite renshuu shite iru yo.I practice by saying them out loud many times.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
