Translation guide
This guide covers how to express that someone or something is popular, well-liked, or in demand in Japanese. It includes common adjectives, verbs, and phrases, with notes on nuance and usage.
To say that someone or something is popular, well-liked, or has a good reputation.
The most common and versatile way to say 'is popular'. Literally 'has popularity'. Can be used for people, products, places, etc.
この店は若者に人気がある。
This shop is popular with young people.
He is the most popular in the class.
Means 'is trendy' or 'is in fashion'. Used for things that are currently popular, like songs, fashion, or activities.
この曲は今すごく流行っている。
This song is really popular right now.
Specifically means 'to be popular with the opposite sex' or 'to be attractive'. Often used for people who are romantically popular.
彼は女性にもてる。
He is popular with women.
Means 'has a good reputation'. Focuses on what people say about something, often used for products, services, or public figures.
あのレストランは評判がいい。
That restaurant has a good reputation (is popular).
To specify who likes or supports someone or something.
Pattern: [group] + に人気がある. Use the particle に to indicate the group among whom something is popular.
このアニメは子供たちに人気がある。
This anime is popular with children.
Pattern: [group] + でもてる. Used specifically for romantic popularity with a certain group.
彼は年上の女性にもてる。
He is popular with older women.
To express that something is becoming popular or trending.
Means 'to become popular' or 'to gain popularity'. Often used when something starts to attract attention.
このゲームは最近人気が出てきた。
This game has been gaining popularity recently.
Means 'to start trending' or 'to become fashionable'. Emphasizes the beginning of a trend.
そのファッションが若者の間で流行り始めた。
That fashion started becoming popular among young people.
To emphasize a high degree of popularity.
A noun meaning 'great popularity' or 'huge hit'. Often used as 大人気だ or 大人気の〜.
このケーキは大人気ですぐ売り切れる。
This cake is so popular it sells out quickly.
A formal expression meaning 'boasts immense popularity'. Used in writing or news.
その歌手は絶大な人気を誇っている。
That singer boasts immense popularity.
人気がある means 'is popular/liked' and can be used for people, places, or things. 流行っている means 'is trendy/fashionable' and is used for temporary fads, songs, fashion, etc. A person can be 人気がある but not 流行っている.
彼は人気があるが、流行っているわけではない。
He is popular, but not in a trendy way.
The loanword ポピュラー (popular) is mainly used for things like music, culture, or generic concepts. It sounds unnatural when describing a person's popularity. Use 人気がある or もてる instead.
✕ 彼はポピュラーだ。
He is popular. (unnatural)
○ 彼は人気がある。
He is popular. (natural)
この曲は今とても人気がある。
This song is very popular now.
彼女はクラスメートに人気がある。
She is popular with her classmates.
そのゲームは人気が出てきている。
That game is becoming popular.