Japanese word

定番

Pronunciation

Romajiteiban

Meaning

  • nounstaple

Example

この料理は我が家の定番です。ko no ryō ri wa wa ga ya no tei ban de su

This dish is a staple in my home.

Illustration for 定番 (staple)

More examples

この店では季節限定の商品もすぐに定番になります。ko no mise de wa ki setsu gen tei no shō hin mo su gu ni tei ban ni na ri ma su

Even seasonal products quickly become staples at this store.

Core concept

Marks a dependable, well-established option that naturally comes to mind in a given situation.

Common phrases

  • 定番メニューtei ban me nyū

    staple menu item

  • 定番商品tei ban shō hin

    staple product

  • 定番の味tei ban no aji

    classic flavor

  • 定番になるtei ban ni na ru

    become a staple

Similar words

お決まりokimari: A customary choice or pattern that people expect in a familiar situation.
王道ōdō: A well-established choice or approach regarded as the classic path in a particular field.

Definition in Japanese

その場面でいつも選ばれるものとして定着した品や事柄。so no ba men de i tsu mo era ba re ru mo no to shi te tei chaku shi ta shina ya koto gara

Word origin

定番 (teiban) combines 定 (tei, "fixed") and 番 (ban, "number or turn"), expressing the idea of an item fixed in a usual place or role.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 定番 (teiban) can describe a customary topic, outfit, dish, or activity, so its range is broader than a word limited to food.

Other meanings

  • classicnoun
  • go-to choicenoun
  • standard itemnoun

Opposites

  • 変わり種kawaridaneunusual itemnoun

Related words

  • 定番化teibankabecoming a staplenoun

Word lists with this word