Japanese Conversation · Level 44
90 words
Japanese word
鉄板
Pronunciation
Romajiteppan
Meaning
- nounsafe bet
Example
この組み合わせは鉄板です。ko no ku mi a wa se wa tep pan de su
This combination is a sure thing.
More examples
初対面の相手には、趣味の話が鉄板です。hatsu tai men no ai te ni wa shu mi no hanashi ga tep pan de su
When talking to someone you have just met, talking about hobbies is a safe bet.
Core concept
It presents something as solid and dependable, whether it is an actual iron plate or a choice expected to succeed.
Common phrases
鉄板の選択tep pan no sen taku
a safe choice
鉄板ネタtep pan ne ta
a tried-and-true topic
Similar words
安牌yasupai: A choice or option that is very unlikely to fail.
定番teiban: A familiar choice that is widely accepted and reliably suitable.
本命honmei: The person or choice considered most likely to win or be selected.
王道ōdō: A conventional and widely trusted way to achieve a desired result.
Definition in Japanese
結果がほぼ確実によくなると見込まれる、失敗しにくい選択や事柄。kek ka ga ho bo kaku jitsu ni yo ku na ru to mi ko ma re ru ship pai shi ni ku i sen taku ya koto gara
Word origin
The word 鉄板 (teppan) joins 鉄 (tetsu, "iron") and 板 (ban, "plate"); their sounds merge in the compound, and the solid physical object gives rise to the sense of a dependable option.
Usage tips
- In casual speech, 鉄板 (teppan) often signals a near-certain success, making it a stronger and more informal claim than simply calling a choice good.
Other meanings
- iron platenoun