1.
lines, dialogue (theater/film)
The words spoken by an actor in a play, movie, or drama. The scripted dialogue.
台詞を覚える。
To memorize one's lines.
俳優は台詞を覚えるのに苦労した。
The actor struggled to memorize his lines.
この映画の最後の台詞がとても印象的で、今でも覚えている。
The last line of this movie was so memorable that I still remember it.
2.
words, remarks, statement
What someone says, often with a nuance of being rehearsed, insincere, or typical of that person.
それは私の台詞だ。
That's my line. / That's what I should be saying.
Expression meaning 'I should be the one saying that'
いつも同じ台詞ばかり言っている。
You always say the same thing.
Implies the speaker is insincere or repetitive
「頑張ります」という決まり台詞は、日本の社会でよく聞く。
The stock phrase "I'll do my best" is often heard in Japanese society.
決まり台詞 = stock phrase, set expression
ORTHOGRAPHY: Can be written as 台詞 or 科白, with 台詞 being more common. Also often written in hiragana as せりふ.
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 台詞を覚える (to memorize lines)
- 台詞を忘れる (to forget one's lines)
- それは私の台詞だ (That's my line / That's what I should be saying)
- 決まり台詞 (stock phrase, set expression)
- 名台詞 (famous line, memorable quote)
USAGE NOTE: When used about everyday speech, 台詞 often implies the words are predictable, rehearsed, or not entirely sincere.