1.
one's specialty, forte, go-to
Something a person is especially good at or known for, often a signature skill, dish, song, or trick.
Pronunciation
The reading おはこ is irregular. The kanji 十八番 can also be read じゅうはちばん, which is used more formally or in kabuki contexts.
Etymology
Usually traced to kabuki: the Ichikawa Danjūrō line's eighteen signature plays, 歌舞伎十八番, whose scripts were said to be kept carefully in boxes (箱). The box story is traditional and not certain.
Usage
Used casually to refer to someone's best skill, go-to karaoke song, signature dish, or any recurring behavior (sometimes humorous). The pattern ～は十八番だ is standard.
Related Words
Synonym:
得意 (good at, strong point)