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 ~).
This singer is popular with young people.
That shop is always popular and has a line.
The standard phrase meaning 'to be popular'. Literally 'to have popularity'.
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.
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).
This hairstyle is popular now.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
People who are sensitive to trends quickly adopt new styles.
それは一時の流行りに過ぎない。
That's just a passing fad.
The bubble tea boom is over.
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.