Translation guide
A book or other product that sells in very large numbers. In Japanese, the most common term is ベストセラー, a loanword from English. There are also native Japanese expressions for describing a hit product or a long-selling item.
ベストセラー
bestseller (book/product)
To refer to a book or product that is currently selling extremely well.
The standard loanword for 'bestseller'. Used for books, music, and other products. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'become a bestseller'.
この小説はベストセラーになった。
This novel became a bestseller.
彼女の新刊はベストセラーリストの1位だ。
Her new book is number one on the bestseller list.
Means 'big hit' or 'blockbuster'. Used for movies, songs, games, and books. Emphasizes popularity rather than just sales figures.
そのゲームは大ヒットした。
That game was a huge hit.
Refers to a product that is selling well, often used in retail contexts. Literally 'selling line'. Can be used for books, but more common for consumer goods.
この商品は今月の売れ筋です。
This product is this month's bestseller.
Explicitly 'bestseller product'. Used in marketing or retail to distinguish from books.
このベストセラー商品はすぐに売り切れた。
This bestseller product sold out quickly.
To describe a book or product that has sold well over a long period, not just a temporary hit.
A wasei-eigo term meaning 'long seller'. Refers to a product or book that continues to sell well for years. Not used for people.
この辞書は30年前からロングセラーだ。
This dictionary has been a long-seller for 30 years.
Means 'standard item' or 'staple'. Used for products that are always in demand, not necessarily record-breaking sales.
To refer to an author whose books are bestsellers.
Direct translation: 'bestseller author'. Commonly used in publishing and media.
彼はベストセラー作家として知られている。
He is known as a bestselling author.
Means 'popular author'. Less directly about sales, but implies commercial success.
その人気作家の新作が発売された。
The popular author's new work was released.
ベストセラー refers to a current hit with high sales, while ロングセラー refers to a product that sells steadily over many years. A book can be both if it continues to sell well after its initial release.
この本は発売時にベストセラーになり、今ではロングセラーです。
This book became a bestseller when it was released, and now it's a long-seller.
In English, 'bestseller' can modify 'author', but in Japanese, you must say ベストセラー作家, not just ベストセラー for a person.
その本は昨年ベストセラーでした。
That book was a bestseller last year.
彼女はベストセラーを3冊書いた。
She wrote three bestsellers.
この文房具は定番商品です。
This stationery is a staple product.