Translation guide
The act of making something widely known, liked, or accessible to the general public. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs and nouns depending on what is being popularized (e.g., ideas, products, culture) and the method (e.g., spreading knowledge, making something trendy).
To spread knowledge, ideas, or awareness among the general public.
The most common and neutral term for the spread or popularization of something beneficial, like technology, education, or a practice. Often used as a noun or with する.
インターネットの普及により、情報へのアクセスが容易になった。
With the popularization of the internet, access to information has become easier.
この団体は、環境保護の普及に努めている。
This organization is working to popularize environmental protection.
Transitive form meaning 'to popularize' or 'to spread'. Used when someone actively promotes something.
政府は電気自動車を普及させようとしている。
The government is trying to popularize electric vehicles.
To spread or disseminate information, ideas, or culture. More active and intentional than 普及, often used for abstract concepts.
彼は日本文化を海外に広める活動をしている。
He is involved in activities to popularize Japanese culture abroad.
Making something widely known, often used in official or administrative contexts (e.g., public announcements, safety information).
新しい規則の周知を図る。
We will work to make the new regulations widely known.
To cause something to become liked, fashionable, or widely accepted by the public.
To make something trendy or fashionable. Often used for products, music, or fads.
あの歌手がそのダンスを流行らせた。
That singer popularized the dance.
To boost the popularity of something. More about increasing existing appeal rather than introducing something new.
SNSでの宣伝が商品の人気を高めた。
Promotion on social media boosted the product's popularity.
To start a boom or craze. Implies creating a sudden surge in popularity.
その映画が全国的にタピオカブームを起こした。
That movie sparked a nationwide bubble tea craze.
Popularization in the sense of making something accessible to the masses, often with a nuance of lowering standards or becoming commercialized. Can be negative.
To explain or present something in a way that is easy for the general public to understand.
To explain in an easy-to-understand way. A straightforward phrase for popularizing knowledge.
この本は量子力学をわかりやすく説明している。
This book explains quantum mechanics in an easy-to-understand way.
To break down a difficult topic into simple terms. Literally 'to chew and crush', used metaphorically.
専門用語を噛み砕いて説明してください。
Please explain the technical terms in simple language.
Enlightenment or edification; popularizing knowledge for the purpose of educating the public. Often used in historical or intellectual contexts.
普及 (ふきゅう) focuses on the state of being widespread or the process of becoming common, often for tangible things like technology or systems. 広める (ひろめる) emphasizes the active effort to spread abstract things like ideas, culture, or information. Use 普及 for 'popularization' as a phenomenon, and 広める when someone is deliberately spreading something.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all nuances of 'popularisation'. Translating it directly as ポピュラリゼーション is not natural. Choose the expression based on the specific context.
高級ブランドの大衆化が進んでいる。
The popularization (mass-marketization) of luxury brands is progressing.
彼は科学の啓蒙に尽力した。
He devoted himself to the popularization of science.