Translation guide
A craze is a widespread, often short-lived enthusiasm for something. In Japanese, this can be expressed with words for boom, fad, or mania, depending on the nuance.
Describing a popular trend or widespread enthusiasm, often temporary.
The most common and neutral word for a craze or boom. Borrowed from English 'boom'. Used for anything from fashion to hobbies.
Bubble tea is a huge craze right now.
This game was a big craze for a while.
Means 'trend' or 'fashion'. Can be used for a craze, but is broader and less temporary-sounding than ブーム.
That hairstyle was just a passing craze.
From 'fever', used for an intense but often short-lived craze, especially in media or entertainment. Sounds slightly dated or playful.
That idol group is all the craze now.
Emphasizing the intense enthusiasm or obsessive nature of a craze.
Refers to a mania or craze, often implying a dedicated fanbase. Can be used for both the phenomenon and the enthusiasts.
Korean dramas are a craze among enthusiasts now.
This anime sparked a craze.
Means 'wild enthusiasm' or 'frenzy'. Stronger than ブーム, often used for public excitement.
Describing a craze that is trivial, fleeting, or foolish.
ブーム is the safest choice for 'craze' as a widespread temporary enthusiasm. 流行 is broader and can refer to longer-term trends. マニア emphasizes the obsessive fan aspect. Use ブーム for general crazes, マニア for niche or intense followings.
The health craze has led more people to go to the gym.
This manga is a craze among hardcore fans.
The English word 'craze' does not have a single direct equivalent. Avoid using 狂気 (insanity) or 熱中 (enthusiasm) alone, as they don't capture the social trend aspect. Stick to ブーム or 流行 for most cases.
新製品の発売に熱狂的なブームが起きた。
A frenzied craze erupted over the new product launch.
あの店ははやりのスイーツを売っている。
That shop sells the latest craze sweets.