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.
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.
This game is hugely popular with children.
She is very popular in class.
A slightly more descriptive phrase meaning 'to have great popularity'. Often used when explaining the reason for popularity.
This restaurant has great popularity locally.
Means 'immense popularity' or 'overwhelming popularity'. Stronger than 大人気, often used in media or formal descriptions.
That singer boasts immense popularity.
Literally 'explosive popularity', used for sudden, rapid surges in popularity, like viral trends.
That app gained explosive popularity.
To express that a product, ticket, reservation, etc. is selling well or hard to obtain due to popularity.
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.
The movie was a huge hit with audiences.
Means 'big boom' or 'craze'. Used for trends that become explosively popular for a period.
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.
This shop is popular.
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.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'in great demand' or 'sought after'. Often used for people (e.g., a busy expert) or popular items.
He is in great demand for lectures right now.
This bread is in great demand every morning and sells out quickly.
Literally 'selling like flying', meaning 'selling like hotcakes'. Emphasizes the speed of sales due to popularity.
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.
That singer took the world by storm in the 80s.