テンプレ
Meaning: Template — something formulaic, predictable, or following a standard pattern. Also used literally for document templates.
テンプレ has both a literal and a figurative meaning. Literally, it refers to document templates (email templates, form templates, etc.). Figuratively, it describes anything predictable or following a cliché pattern — a テンプレ展開 is a 'template plot development' in anime/manga, and テンプレ回答 is a 'template response' that lacks originality. The figurative usage is especially common in anime/manga criticism and internet discussions.
Examples
- この展開テンプレすぎて先が読めるわ。 这个剧情发展太套路了,后面会怎样一眼就能看出来。Este giro argumental es tan テンプレ que se ve venir de lejos.이 전개 너무 텐프레라서 다음이 뻔히 보여.
- メールのテンプレ作っといたから使って。 邮件模板我已经做好了,直接用就行。He preparado un テンプレ de correo, úsalo.메일 텐프레 만들어 뒀으니까 써.
- 合コンのテンプレ質問ばっかりでつまらなかった。 联谊上尽是些模板式的问题,好无聊。En la cita grupal solo hacían preguntas テンプレ y fue aburridísimo.미팅 텐프레 질문만 해서 재미없었어.
Pronunciation
/teɴ.pu.ɾe/
Usage Guide
Context: internet culture, anime/manga, workplace (informal), daily conversation
Tone: casual, sometimes critical
✓ Do Say
- テンプレ通りにやればOKだよ。 (Just follow the template and you'll be fine.)照着模板来做就没问题了。(Just follow the template and you'll be fine.)Sigue el テンプレ y listo. (Solo sigue la plantilla y ya está.)텐프레대로 하면 OK야. (양식 그대로 따라 하면 돼.)
- またテンプレ展開かよ。 (Another predictable plot development, huh.)又是套路剧情啊。(Another predictable plot development, huh.)Otra vez un desarrollo テンプレ, venga ya. (Otro giro argumental predecible, ¿en serio?)또 텐프레 전개냐. (또 뻔한 전개야, 참.)
✗ Don't Say
- フォーマルな文書で「テンプレ」 (In formal documents, use the full form テンプレート — テンプレ is too casual)在正式文件中写「テンプレ」(在正式文件中应使用完整形式テンプレート——テンプレ太随意了)Usar テンプレ en documentos formales (En documentos formales, usa la forma completa テンプレート: テンプレ es demasiado informal)격식 있는 문서에서 「テンプレ」라고 쓰는 것 (격식 있는 문서에서는 전체 형태인 テンプレート를 사용할 것 — テンプレ는 너무 캐주얼함)
Common Mistakes
- Not distinguishing the literal (template) and figurative (formulaic) meanings — context determines which is intended
- Using テンプレ as a compliment — when applied to creative works, it usually implies the work is unoriginal
Origin & History
Abbreviated from テンプレート (tenpurēto, from English 'template'). The literal usage has been common since the 2000s, while the figurative 'formulaic/predictable' meaning spread through anime/manga and internet culture.
Cultural Context
Era: 2000s, both literal and figurative usage
Generation: Millennials and Gen Z
Social background: Universal in casual contexts
Regional notes: Used across Japan. The figurative 'formulaic' meaning is especially prominent in anime/manga and internet discussions.
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