Translation and Meaning of: 台詞 - serifu

If you've ever watched a Japanese anime or drama, you've probably heard the word 台詞 (せりふ, serifu). But what does it mean exactly? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and use of this expression in everyday Japanese. Additionally, we will see how it appears in different cultural contexts and how students can easily memorize it. If you want to understand this word better, Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, has all the answers.

What does 台詞 (せりふ) mean?

The word 台詞 (せりふ, serifu) is used to refer to lines, dialogues, or replies, especially in plays, movies, animes, and dramas. It carries the idea of words spoken by a character in a narrative, often with a more dramatic or intentional tone. Unlike 言葉 (ことば, kotoba), which simply means "word" or "language," 台詞 has a more specific context.

In traditional Japanese theater, such as Kabuki and Noh, 台詞 is essential for conveying emotions and advancing the plot. This word also frequently appears in scripts and screenplays, indicating the lines that actors must recite. Its use is not limited to entertainment— in everyday discussions, Japanese people may use it to refer to arguments or striking phrases.

Origin and Writing of 台詞

The composition of 台詞 comes from the kanjis 台 (platform, stage) and 詞 (word, speech). Together, they form the idea of "speech on stage," which makes perfect sense considering its use in theatrical plays. The reading せりふ (serifu) is a form of kun'yomi, meaning the native Japanese pronunciation, different from the more common on'yomi reading in compound words.

Interestingly, this word has roots in classical theater, but has expanded to other media over time. In feudal Japan, Kabuki actors were known for their 台詞 (serifu) that were often embellished with specific intonations. Today, the term is widely used in animes and mangas, especially when a character has an iconic line.

How to memorize 台詞 (せりふ)?

An effective way to remember this word is to associate it with scenes from animes or dramas you have already watched. Often, the protagonists have memorable 台詞 that stick in the audience's mind. For example, the famous line "Ore wa Gundam da!" from Mobile Suit Gundam is a classic example of a striking 台詞.

Another tip is to practice with flashcards or apps like Anki, inserting sentences that contain 台詞 in real contexts. Repeating out loud also helps, since the pronunciation "se-ri-fu" has an easy rhythm to remember. If possible, try to use it in conversations about movies or series – this reinforces its meaning in a natural way.

Cultural usage and frequency in modern Japanese

In Japan, 台詞 is not limited to entertainment. It can appear in political discussions, debates, and even in motivational speeches. A person might say: "あの政治家の台詞は強かった" (The speech of that politician was impactful), showing that the word also carries a tone of persuasion or dramatic effect.

Additionally, 台詞 is frequently used in movie reviews and theater critiques. If you read an article about a new Japanese drama, you are likely to come across expressions like "主人公の台詞が心に残った" (The protagonist's lines stayed in my memory). This type of usage reinforces how deeply the word is rooted in Japanese pop culture and media.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• セリフ (Serifu) - Dialogue, speech, or line in a play or movie.
• 台詞 (Serifu) - Sinonym of セリフ, usually used in formal contexts
• 台詞回し (Serifu-mawashi) - Expression used to describe the way speeches are presented or delivered.
• 台詞回し方 (Serifu-mawashikata) - Way or method of presenting the dialogues.
• 台詞回しの仕方 (Serifu-mawashinoshikata) - Specific way to deliver the lines.
• 台詞の回し方 (Serifu no mawashikata) - It refers to the way of articulating or staging the lines.
• 台詞の言い回し (Serifu no iimawashi) - Expressions or formulas used in speech.
• 台詞の言い回し方 (Serifu no iimawashikata) - Way or technique of saying something in speech.
• 台詞の言い方 (Serifu no iikata) - Way of expressing oneself or saying the lines.
• 台詞の言葉遣い (Serifu no kotobazukai) - Use of language in speech.
• 台詞の言葉使い (Serifu no kotobatsukai) - Sinonym of 言葉遣い, appropriate use of words in speech.
• 台詞の言葉回し (Serifu no kotobamawashi) - Strategy of beautifying or articulating words in speeches.
• 台詞の言葉回し方 (Serifu no kotobamawashikata) - Method of articulating words within speeches.

台詞

Romaji: serifu
Kana: せりふ
Type: noun
L: -

Translation / Meaning: speech; words; someone's lines; comments

Meaning in English: speech;words;one's lines;remarks

Definition: A statement made by a character that appears in a play or movie.

Example Sentences - (台詞) serifu

See below some example sentences:

この役の台詞はとても難しいです。

Kono yaku no serifu wa totemo muzukashii desu

The lines of this paper are very difficult.

The line of this role is very difficult.

• この - this
• 役 - paper
• の - of
• 台詞 - speak
• は - is
• とても - very
• 難しい - difficult
• です - is (politeness)