決め台詞

• Reading: きめぜりふ
• Romaji: kimezerifu
• Kanji breakdown: 決 (ketsu/ki) — decide, determine | 台 (dai) — platform, stand | 詞 (shi/ji) — words, speech
• Pronunciation: /ki.me.ze.ɾi.ɸɯ/

Meaning

Catchphrase; signature line; killer line. A memorable phrase associated with a particular person, character, or role.

A noun combining 決め (decisive, defining) and 台詞 (spoken line). Refers to a signature phrase that defines a character or person — the line an actor always delivers at a climactic moment, or the personal motto someone repeats. Widely used in entertainment, marketing, and political commentary.

Examples

1. ヒーローが変身するたびに叫ぶ決め台詞を、子どもたちは全員暗記していた。 Every time the hero transformed, he would shout his catchphrase, and all the kids had it memorized.
2. 彼のプレゼンには毎回同じ決め台詞があり、聴衆はそれを心待ちにしていた。 His presentations always included the same signature line, and the audience looked forward to it every time.
3. 名優というものは、決め台詞を言う瞬間に役と完全に一体化するものだ。 A truly great actor becomes completely one with their role at the moment they deliver their killer line.

Usage Guide

Context: entertainment, theatre, marketing, pop culture

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 決め (from 決める, 'to decide, to define') and 台詞 (scripted line, dialogue). The idea of a defining, signature line has deep roots in kabuki and other theatrical traditions.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: General