Translation guide
Describes something or someone that is not liked, accepted, or favored by many people. Japanese expressions vary by context: general lack of popularity, personal dislike, or social rejection.
To say that something (a product, idea, policy, etc.) is not popular or widely accepted.
The most direct equivalent for 'unpopular' when referring to things, policies, or public figures. Often used in news or formal contexts.
その政策は不人気だ。
That policy is unpopular.
この商品は不人気で売れなかった。
This product was unpopular and didn't sell.
Literally 'has no popularity'. A natural, everyday way to say something is not popular. Can be used for people, things, or ideas.
あのレストランは人気がないね。
That restaurant is unpopular, isn't it?
彼の意見はクラスで人気がない。
His opinion is unpopular in the class.
Means 'has a bad reputation'. Implies not just lack of popularity but active negative perception.
その映画は評判が悪い。
That movie is unpopular (has a bad reputation).
A more formal or written term for 'unpopular' or 'poorly received'. Often used in reviews or reports.
新製品は不評だった。
The new product was unpopular.
To describe a person who is not liked by others, often in a social context.
Passive form of 'dislike'. Means 'to be disliked'. Common for describing an unpopular person.
彼はクラスメートに嫌われている。
He is unpopular with his classmates (is disliked).
あの先生は生徒に嫌われている。
That teacher is unpopular with the students.
Also works for people, meaning they lack popularity or aren't favored.
彼は女子に人気がない。
He is unpopular with girls.
Can be used for people, especially public figures, but sounds a bit formal or objective.
To say that a particular choice, decision, or action is not favored by most people.
Negative passive of 'to like/prefer'. Means 'is not liked/preferred'. Suitable for choices or options.
その選択肢は好まれないだろう。
That option will be unpopular.
Means 'not supported'. Used when talking about ideas, proposals, or candidates that lack backing.
その提案は支持されなかった。
That proposal was unpopular (not supported).
While 不人気 can be used for people, it sounds impersonal. For personal dislike, use 嫌われる or 好かれていない.
彼はみんなに好かれていない。
He is not liked by everyone (is unpopular).
不人気 is more formal and often used in writing or news. 人気がない is casual and common in everyday speech. Both mean 'unpopular', but 人気がない is more versatile.
その政治家は不人気だ。
That politician is unpopular.