Translation guide
The English word 'commonplace' can mean ordinary, unremarkable, or frequently encountered. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these meanings, from everyday adjectives to set phrases.
Describing something as not unusual, just average, or lacking distinction.
The most direct equivalent for 'commonplace' as an adjective. Means 'common', 'ordinary', 'nothing special'. Often used for things that are so common they're unremarkable.
それはありふれた話だ。
That's a commonplace story.
ありふれた日常の一コマ。
A commonplace scene from everyday life.
Means 'ordinary', 'mediocre', 'commonplace'. Often used for people, lives, or things lacking distinction. Slightly more formal than ありふれた.
平凡な毎日を送っている。
I lead a commonplace life.
彼の考えは平凡だ。
His ideas are commonplace.
The most basic word for 'ordinary' or 'normal'. Very common in speech. Can imply 'nothing special' depending on context.
普通のサラリーマンです。
I'm just a commonplace office worker.
Literally 'monthly', meaning trite, hackneyed, commonplace. Often used for ideas, expressions, or events that lack originality.
月並みな意見しか出なかった。
Only commonplace opinions were offered.
Describing something that is commonly encountered, not rare.
Means 'common', 'frequently occurring'. Used for events, situations, mistakes, etc. Very natural in conversation.
それはよくある間違いだ。
That's a commonplace mistake.
よくあることです。
It's a commonplace occurrence.
Means 'general', 'common', 'widespread'. Slightly more formal, often used in explanations or written contexts.
この現象はごく一般的だ。
This phenomenon is quite commonplace.
Means 'everyday', 'routine'. Emphasizes that something is part of daily life and thus commonplace.
日常的な光景だ。
It's a commonplace sight.
Referring to a statement or idea that is overused and lacks freshness.
Means 'clichéd remark', 'platitude'. 陳腐 means stale, hackneyed. Used for overused expressions.
彼のスピーチは陳腐な言葉ばかりだった。
His speech was full of commonplaces.
ありきたり means 'common', 'run-of-the-mill'. Combined with 言葉, it refers to a commonplace phrase or cliché.
ありきたりな言葉で慰められた。
I was consoled with commonplace words.
Means 'set phrase', 'cliché'. Often used for formulaic expressions in speeches or writing.
ありふれた emphasizes that something is commonly found and thus unremarkable. 平凡な focuses on the lack of special qualities, often with a nuance of mediocrity. 平凡な is more often used for people and their lives, while ありふれた is used for objects, events, and stories.
English uses 'commonplace' as a noun meaning a trite saying. Japanese does not have a single noun equivalent. Use phrases like 陳腐な言葉 or 決まり文句 instead of trying to translate the word directly.
それはただの決まり文句だ。
That's just a commonplace.