Translation guide
The state of not being liked, accepted, or favored by people. In Japanese, this is often expressed with words like 不人気 (ふにんき), 人気がない (にんきがない), or 評判が悪い (ひょうばんがわるい). The choice depends on whether you're talking about a person, product, policy, or general reputation.
Expressing that someone or something is not popular or well-liked.
A direct noun meaning 'unpopularity'. Commonly used for people, products, or trends. Can be used in formal and informal contexts.
His proposal was unpopular.
This product was unpopular and was quickly discontinued.
Literally 'has no popularity'. A very common and natural way to say something or someone is unpopular. Can be used for people, things, places, etc.
That restaurant is always unpopular (has no customers).
He is unpopular in class.
Means 'has a bad reputation'. Implies unpopularity due to negative opinions or reviews. Often used for businesses, products, or public figures.
That company has a bad reputation (is unpopular).
A more formal noun meaning 'bad reputation' or 'unpopularity'. Often used in news or business contexts.
The new system met with unpopularity (drew criticism).
Describing a person who is not liked by others, often in social or school settings.
Passive form of 嫌う (to dislike). Means 'to be disliked'. This is a very direct and common way to say someone is unpopular in the sense of being personally disliked.
He is disliked by everyone (is unpopular).
I'm afraid of being disliked (unpopular).
Negative potential form of 好く (to like). Means 'not liked'. Slightly softer than 嫌われる, but still indicates unpopularity.
No matter what, he is not liked (is unpopular).
Means 'lacks popularity/trust' especially in a leadership or professional context. Implies not being respected or trusted by others.
Referring to something that is not supported or is opposed by many people.
Passive negative of 支持する (to support). Means 'not supported'. Commonly used for policies, politicians, or ideas.
That policy was not supported by the people (was unpopular).
Literally 'there is a lot of opposition'. Indicates unpopularity through active opposition.
Means 'not accepted'. Used when an idea or change is rejected by people.
不人気 is a noun and sounds slightly more formal or objective. 人気がない is a very common, everyday phrase. 評判が悪い emphasizes a bad reputation rather than just lack of popularity. Use 不人気 for statistics or news, 人気がない for casual conversation, and 評判が悪い when the unpopularity is due to negative reviews or opinions.
English 'unpopular' can be translated as 不人気な, but this is less common than using phrases like 人気がない. Overusing 不人気な may sound unnatural in casual speech.
He lacks popularity/trust, so he's not suited to be a leader.
There is a lot of opposition to that plan (it is unpopular).
The new rules were not accepted by the employees (were unpopular).