Translation guide
This entry covers how to express that something or someone is extremely popular, well-liked, or in high demand in Japanese. It includes common adjectives, verbs, and set phrases, organized by nuance and typical usage.
大人気
very popular
To describe a person, product, place, or trend that is very popular or well-liked by many people.
A very common and versatile word meaning 'very popular' or 'hugely popular'. It can be used for people, products, events, etc.
このゲームは子供たちに大人気です。
This game is hugely popular with children.
彼女はクラスで大人気だ。
She is very popular in class.
A slightly more descriptive phrase meaning 'to have great popularity'. Often used when explaining the reason for popularity.
このレストランは地元で大人気がある。
This restaurant has great popularity locally.
Means 'immense popularity' or 'overwhelming popularity'. Stronger than 大人気, often used in media or formal descriptions.
その歌手は絶大な人気を誇っている。
That singer boasts immense popularity.
Literally 'explosive popularity', used for sudden, rapid surges in popularity, like viral trends.
そのアプリは爆発的な人気を得た。
That app gained explosive popularity.
To express that a product, ticket, reservation, etc. is selling well or hard to obtain due to popularity.
A common phrase meaning 'sold out due to great popularity'. Often seen in shops or online.
新作のスニーカーは大人気で売り切れました。
The new sneakers sold out due to great popularity.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'in great demand' or 'sought after'. Often used for people (e.g., a busy expert) or popular items.
彼は今、講演会で引っ張りだこだ。
He is in great demand for lectures right now.
このパンは毎朝引っ張りだこで、すぐに売り切れる。
This bread is in great demand every morning and sells out quickly.
To describe something that has gained widespread recognition and praise, often in media or arts.
Means 'very well-received' or 'rave reviews'. Used for movies, products, events that get great feedback.
その映画は観客から大好評だった。
The movie was a huge hit with audiences.
Means 'big boom' or 'craze'. Used for trends that become explosively popular for a period.
タピオカミルクティーは日本で大ブームになった。
Bubble tea became a huge craze in Japan.
人気がある simply means 'popular', while 大人気 means 'very popular' or 'hugely popular'. Use 大人気 when you want to emphasize the degree of popularity.
この店は人気がある。
This shop is popular.
この店は大人気だ。
This shop is hugely popular.
The English phrase 'great popularity' is often translated directly as 偉大な人気, but this sounds unnatural. Use 大人気 or 絶大な人気 instead.
Literally 'selling like flying', meaning 'selling like hotcakes'. Emphasizes the speed of sales due to popularity.
その新商品は飛ぶように売れている。
The new product is selling like hotcakes.
A literary phrase meaning 'to take the world by storm' or 'to dominate the era'. Used for cultural phenomena.
その歌手は80年代に一世を風靡した。
That singer took the world by storm in the 80s.