Translation guide
The English word "popular" covers several distinct meanings. This guide breaks them down into practical Japanese expressions based on what you actually want to say.
Describing a person, thing, or activity that is well-liked or favored by a large number of people.
The most common and versatile way to say "popular." Literally means "has popularity."
この歌手は若い人に人気がある。
This singer is popular with young people.
That restaurant is always popular.
Used as a pre-noun modifier, like "popular ~."
これは人気のアプリです。
This is a popular app.
Means "trending" or "in fashion." Use for things that are currently popular, like songs, fashion, or slang.
その曲は今すごく流行っている。
That song is really popular right now.
Specifically means "popular with the opposite sex" or "attractive to potential romantic partners."
彼は女子にもてる。
He's popular with girls.
Describing something that is done, used, or believed by many people; prevalent.
Means "general" or "common." Use when "popular" means "widely accepted or practiced."
日本では、お辞儀は一般的な挨拶だ。
In Japan, bowing is a popular/common greeting.
Means "widespread" or "prevalent." Often used for technology or ideas.
スマートフォンは世界中に普及している。
Smartphones are popular/widespread all over the world.
Means "common" or "frequent." Use for things that happen often or are commonly seen.
それはよくある誤解だ。
That's a popular/common misconception.
Relating to the general public; not highbrow or specialized.
Means "for the masses." Use for popular culture, entertainment, or products aimed at a broad audience.
大衆向けの小説
popular fiction (as opposed to literary fiction)
Means "folksy" or "of the common people." Often used for food, customs, or atmosphere.
この店は庶民的な雰囲気だ。
This shop has a popular/down-to-earth atmosphere.
Means "popular" in a slightly negative sense: simplistic, sensational, or pandering to popular taste.
通俗的な科学書
a popular science book (simplified for the masses)
Describing something that is well-liked within a particular demographic or community.
Use the particle に to indicate the group among whom something is popular.
このゲームは子供たちに人気がある。
This game is popular with children.
Literally "among ~," emphasizing the group.
その作家は若い女性の間で人気がある。
The author is popular among young women.
While ポピュラー is a loanword from English, it is not always a natural substitute. It is mainly used in compound words like ポピュラー音楽 (popular music) or to mean "well-known" in a general sense. For most everyday uses, 人気がある is safer.
この店はポピュラーだ。
This store is popular. (Unnatural; use 人気がある instead)
人気がある indicates sustained popularity or favorable reputation. 流行っている means something is currently trending or in vogue, often temporarily. Use 流行っている for fads, hit songs, or seasonal items.
彼女は学校で一番人気がある。
She's the most popular girl in school.
ここはとても人気のある観光地です。
This is a very popular tourist spot.
一般的な考えとは違って、コウモリは盲目ではない。
Contrary to popular belief, bats aren't blind.