Translation guide
Describes something fashionable, currently popular, or following the latest trends. Japanese has several words that map to 'trendy', but they differ in nuance, formality, and typical usage.
Describing a person, outfit, or place that is stylish and up-to-date with current fashion.
The most common and versatile word for 'stylish' or 'fashionable'. Can describe people, clothes, accessories, cafes, interiors, etc. Often used as a na-adjective or noun.
彼女はいつもおしゃれだ。
She is always stylish.
このカフェはとてもおしゃれですね。
This cafe is very trendy/stylish, isn't it?
Literally 'is popular/trending'. Used for things that are currently in fashion or widely adopted, like clothing styles, songs, or activities. More about current popularity than inherent style.
その柄のシャツ、今すごく流行っているよね。
That patterned shirt is really trendy right now.
A direct loanword from English. Sounds a bit dated or like marketing jargon. Not commonly used in everyday conversation; 'おしゃれ' or '流行っている' are preferred.
Referring to something that is currently a trend or fad, like a product, activity, or topic.
Noun meaning 'trend' or 'fashion'. Often used in compounds like '流行語' (buzzword) or '流行歌' (popular song). Can also be used as a suru-verb '流行する' (to become popular).
今年の流行は何ですか？
What's trendy this year?
そのファッションは90年代に流行した。
That fashion was trendy in the 90s.
Loanword from English 'trend'. Commonly used in business, marketing, and social media contexts. Slightly more formal/modern than '流行'.
The native Japanese reading of '流行'. Often used in casual speech. Can feel more down-to-earth than 'りゅうこう'.
Describing a neighborhood, district, or venue that is currently popular and fashionable to visit.
Means 'popular'. When combined with 'エリア' (area) or 'スポット' (spot), it conveys 'trendy place'. Safe and natural for most contexts.
あの辺りは今、若者に人気のエリアだ。
That area is a trendy spot for young people now.
Literally 'hot right now'. Slangy way to say a place is trendy or happening. Common in magazines and casual conversation.
下北沢は今熱い街だ。
Shimokitazawa is a trendy neighborhood right now.
Referring to a person who is fashionable, sets trends, or is considered cool.
A friendly, slightly casual term for a stylish person. Often used to compliment someone's fashion sense.
田中さんは本当におしゃれさんだね。
Tanaka-san is really trendy/stylish.
Literally 'a person sensitive to trends'. More descriptive and formal. Suitable for writing or polite speech.
彼女は流行に敏感な人で、いつも最新のファッションを着ている。
She is a trendy person, always wearing the latest fashion.
おしゃれ implies inherent style and good taste, while 流行っている simply means something is currently popular. A person can be おしゃれ without following every trend, and something can be 流行っている without being おしゃれ (e.g., a silly fad).
あの服は流行っているけど、あまりおしゃれじゃない。
Those clothes are trendy, but not very stylish.
The loanword トレンディー sounds dated and is rarely used in natural speech. Stick with おしゃれ or 流行っている unless you are intentionally referencing 80s/90s 'trendy dramas' or similar fixed phrases.
トレンディーなドラマが話題になった。
Trendy dramas became a hot topic.
最新のトレンドをチェックする。
Check the latest trends.
それは一時のはやりだった。
That was just a passing trend.