ポップス
poppusu[po̞p̚pɯ̟̊sɨ]
In Japanese, the phrase for "pops" (referring to popular music) is ポップス (poppusu).
ポップス is used as a general term to describe popular music.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is a loanword from English and is written using Katakana, the Japanese script used for foreign-derived words.
How do you pronounce it?
poppusu
Did you know?
- In Japanese retail, ポップ (POP) refers to 'Point of Purchase' advertising, such as the handwritten cardboard signs used to promote products in convenience stores.
- While ポップス describes the music, Japanese fans use the suffix 系 (kei) to create terms like ポップ系 (pop-kei) to categorize a person's overall fashion and aesthetic.
- Because it is written in Katakana, ポップス often carries a connotation of being 'Western' or 'International' even when referring to domestic music.
Examples in context
- 最近、洋楽のポップスをよく聴いています。Saikin, yōgaku no poppusu o yoku kiite imasu.I have been listening to Western pops a lot lately.
- 彼女はポップスが好きです。Kanojo wa poppusu ga suki desu.She likes pops.
- このラジオ局はポップスが中心ですね。Kono rajio kyoku wa poppusu ga chūshin desu ne.This radio station focuses on pops, doesn't it?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about music at a cafe.
- 美咲 Misaki健太君は、どんな音楽を聴くの？Kenta-kun wa, donna ongaku o kiku no?Kenta, what kind of music do you listen to?
- 健太 Kenta僕はポップスをよく聴くよ。Boku wa poppusu o yoku kiku yo.I listen to pops often.
- 美咲 Misakiそうなんだ。私もポップスは大好きだよ。Sō nanda. Watashi mo poppusu wa daisuki da yo.I see. I love pops too.
- 健太 Kentaじゃあ、おすすめの曲を教えてよ。Jā, osusume no kyoku o oshiete yo.Then, please recommend some songs to me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ポップス, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
