Translation guide
How to express that something or someone gains widespread appeal, fame, or acceptance in Japanese.
人気が出る
become popular (general)
To say that a thing, trend, or product becomes widely liked or used.
The most common and neutral way to say 'become popular'. Literally 'popularity comes out'. Used for people, products, places, etc.
この曲は最近人気が出てきた。
This song has become popular recently.
あの店はすぐに人気が出た。
That store quickly became popular.
Means 'to become popular' or 'to be in fashion', often for trends, fads, or contagious things. More casual than 人気が出る.
今、このゲームがすごく流行っている。
This game is really popular right now.
そのファッションは90年代に流行った。
That fashion became popular in the 90s.
Means 'to spread' or 'become widespread', often for technology, ideas, or practices. More formal.
スマートフォンが急速に普及した。
Smartphones rapidly became popular/widespread.
Literally 'become a boom'. Used for short-lived crazes or fads.
タピオカが一時期ブームになった。
Bubble tea became a craze for a while.
To say that a person gains fame or a good reputation.
Means 'to become a popular person'. Often used for someone who becomes well-liked in a group or community.
彼はクラスの人気者になった。
He became popular in the class.
Means 'to become famous'. Broader than just being liked; implies wide recognition.
彼女はその映画で一躍有名になった。
She became famous overnight with that movie.
Means 'to be popular' especially in a romantic or social sense. Often used for being popular with the opposite sex.
To say that a way of thinking or doing things becomes widely accepted.
Means 'to take root' or 'become established'. Used when something becomes a standard or accepted practice.
テレワークが社会に定着した。
Telework has become established/popular in society.
Passive form of 受け入れる (to accept). Means 'to be accepted' by people.
新しい考え方が徐々に受け入れられた。
The new way of thinking gradually became accepted/popular.
人気が出る is a neutral, all-purpose expression for gaining popularity. 流行る implies a trend or fashion that may be temporary, and is more casual. Use 流行る for fads, diseases, or things that are 'going around'.
この歌手は最近人気が出た。
This singer has become popular recently.
変なダンスが流行っている。
A weird dance is popular/going around.
While ポピュラー (popular) is a loanword, ポピュラーになる is not commonly used for 'become popular'. It can sound unnatural. Stick to native phrases like 人気が出る or 流行る.
He is popular with women.