Translation guide
The concept of 'publicity' in English covers a range of meanings from media attention and promotion to the state of being publicly known. This guide helps learners express these ideas naturally in Japanese, focusing on common words and phrases used in everyday and business contexts.
To refer to attention from the media, news coverage, or being in the public eye.
The most common word for publicity in the sense of promotion or advertising. It can refer to both the act of publicizing and the resulting attention.
新製品の宣伝に力を入れている。
We are putting effort into publicity for the new product.
彼の行動は大きな宣伝効果をもたらした。
His actions brought a great publicity effect.
Means 'attention' or 'notice'. Often used when someone or something gains public attention, not necessarily through deliberate promotion.
その事件は大きな注目を集めた。
The incident attracted a lot of publicity.
Specifically 'media attention'. Used when the publicity comes from news outlets.
その発言はメディアの注目を浴びた。
The remark received media publicity.
Literally 'exposure'. Often used in marketing contexts to mean media exposure or visibility.
テレビでの露出が増えた。
Publicity on TV has increased.
A loanword from English, used mainly in business or PR contexts. It specifically means unpaid media coverage, as opposed to advertising.
パブリシティ活動を行う。
Conduct publicity activities.
To refer to materials or efforts used to promote a product, event, or person.
Again, the most versatile word. Can refer to promotional materials, campaigns, or the act of promoting.
宣伝用のポスターを作成した。
We created posters for publicity.
Means 'advertisement' or 'advertising'. More directly about paid ads, but can overlap with publicity in some contexts.
To describe the condition of being famous or widely recognized.
Means 'famous' or 'well-known'. Used to describe people, places, or things that have publicity.
彼は有名になった。
He gained publicity (became famous).
Means 'degree of recognition' or 'name recognition'. Often used when talking about how well-known something is.
Literally 'to be known by the public'. A more descriptive way to say something gained publicity.
その秘密が世間に知られた。
The secret got publicity (became known to the public).
To refer to publicity that is scandalous or damaging.
Means 'bad reputation' or 'ill fame'. Used when publicity is negative.
そのスキャンダルで悪評が広まった。
The scandal spread negative publicity.
Means 'scandal' or 'misconduct'. Often used in news about corporate or political publicity.
Literally 'to become famous in a bad way'. A natural way to express gaining negative publicity.
彼は悪い意味で有名になった。
He got negative publicity.
宣伝 (senden) is broader and includes any kind of publicity or promotion, including word-of-mouth or media coverage. 広告 (koukoku) specifically refers to paid advertisements. Use 宣伝 when you mean generating buzz or attention, and 広告 when you mean a literal ad.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'publicity'. Always consider the context: are you talking about promotion, media attention, fame, or scandal? Choose the appropriate word or phrase.
そのイベントは大きな注目を集めた。
The event got a lot of publicity.
キャンペーンの宣伝をもっと強化する必要がある。
We need more publicity for the campaign.
彼女は注目されるのを避ける。
She avoids publicity.
新聞に広告を出す。
Place an advertisement in the newspaper.
Loanword meaning 'promotion'. Often used in marketing contexts for campaigns that include publicity.
新曲のプロモーションを行う。
Do publicity for the new song.
That company has a lot of publicity (high name recognition).
The company's scandal was publicized.