Translation guide
The state of being liked, admired, or supported by many people. Japanese expresses this through nouns, adjectives, and verbs that distinguish between general popularity, trendiness, personal likability, and public favor.
To say someone or something is popular in a general sense, without specifying a trend or personal charm.
The most common and versatile word for popularity. Can be used for people, products, places, etc. Often used in the pattern 〜に人気がある (to be popular with ~).
この歌手は若者に人気がある。
This singer is popular with young people.
あの店はいつも人気で、行列ができている。
That shop is always popular and has a line.
The standard phrase meaning 'to be popular'. Literally 'to have popularity'.
彼はクラスで一番人気がある。
He is the most popular in the class.
A popular person; someone who is well-liked. Often used for a person who is the life of the party or a favorite among a group.
彼女は学校の人気者だ。
She is a popular girl at school.
To describe something that is currently popular as a trend, fashion, or fad.
Refers to a trend, fashion, or craze. Often used for things that are currently in style. The verb form is 流行する (to be in fashion).
この髪型は今、流行している。
This hairstyle is popular now.
流行に敏感な人はすぐに新しいスタイルを取り入れる。
People who are sensitive to trends quickly adopt new styles.
A more casual, spoken word for a trend or fad. Often used in compounds like 流行り言葉 (buzzword) or 流行り歌 (popular song).
Boom; a sudden surge in popularity. Often used for specific products, hobbies, or phenomena.
タピオカブームはもう終わった。
The bubble tea boom is over.
To describe a person who is easy to like, has a pleasant personality, or is charming.
Passive form of 好く (to like). Means 'to be liked'. A natural way to say someone is popular in the sense of being well-liked by others.
彼は誰からも好かれる性格だ。
He has a personality that is liked by everyone.
Passive of 愛する (to love). Means 'to be loved'. Implies a deeper affection than 好かれる, often used for someone who is cherished.
彼女はみんなに愛される存在だ。
She is someone loved by everyone.
Slang for being popular with the opposite sex, attractive, or having romantic appeal. Very common in casual conversation.
To talk about popularity in terms of public opinion, approval ratings, or support for a politician, policy, or public figure.
Approval rating; support rate. Used in political contexts or surveys.
内閣の支持率が下がった。
The cabinet's approval rating dropped.
Popularity rating; degree of popularity. Often used in rankings or surveys for entertainment figures.
このアイドルの人気度は急上昇中だ。
This idol's popularity rating is rapidly rising.
To describe something that is widely used, accepted, or prevalent, not necessarily liked.
Spread, diffusion, popularization. Used for technology, ideas, or practices becoming common. The verb is 普及する.
スマートフォンは急速に普及した。
Smartphones quickly became widespread.
Permeation, penetration. Often used for ideas or products becoming deeply accepted in society.
人気 (にんき) is general popularity based on liking or admiration. 流行 (りゅうこう) specifically refers to trends or fashions that come and go. A classic novel can be 人気 but not 流行. A fad diet is 流行 but may not be 人気 in the sense of being well-liked.
この小説は昔から人気があるが、今は流行っていない。
This novel has been popular for a long time, but it's not trendy now.
The katakana word ポピュラリティ exists but is rarely used in natural Japanese. Stick to the native terms above.
それは一時の流行りに過ぎない。
That's just a passing fad.
He is popular with girls.
キャッシュレス決済が社会に浸透してきた。
Cashless payments have become prevalent in society.