人気がある
ninki ga aru
To say that something is popular in Japanese, you use 人気がある (ninki ga aru).
The phrase 人気がある is used to describe people, products, places or concepts that are widely liked or have many fans.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ninki (popularity), the particle ga (the subject marker) and aru (to exist or to have). Literally, it translates to "popularity exists."
Which one should you use?
While 人気がある refers to something that has a steady popularity or is generally well-liked, the phrase 流行っている is used specifically for things that are currently a passing trend or a fad.
How does it change in a sentence?
In polite conversation, the verb aru should be changed to arimasu to form 人気があります.
How do you pronounce it?
ninki ga aru
Did you know?
- The word ninki can be confused with a homophone written with different characters that means 'popular' in the sense of 'common' or 'vulgar'. Using the wrong kanji changes the meaning from 'well-liked' to 'low-class'.
- When discussing trends, Japanese speakers use 流行っている for fads, but for a 'cult classic' that is popular among a small, dedicated group, they might use the term maniakku from the English word 'maniac'.
- The word ninki is written with the characters for 'human' and 'spirit'. It originally described the 'spirit' or 'energy' a person exudes that draws others toward them.
Examples in context
- その映画は大人気で、たくさんの人が見ました。That movie was very popular, and many people watched it.
- この店の商品はとても人気があります。The products in this store are very popular.
- 彼女はいつも最新の流行を取り入れています。She always incorporates the latest trends.
- 彼は学校で一番の人気者だ。He is the most popular person in school.
- このカフェはとても人気がある。Kono kafe wa totemo ninki ga aru.This cafe is very popular.
- 彼はクラスで人気がある。Kare wa kurasu de ninki ga aru.He is popular in his class.
- 最近、このゲームは人気がある。Saikin, kono geemu wa ninki ga aru.This game is popular lately.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a new restaurant in the city.
- 美咲 Misakiあのレストラン、人気があるの？Ano resutoran, ninki ga aru no?Is that restaurant popular?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、いつも行列ができているよ。Un, itsumo gyouretsu ga dekite iru yo.Yeah, there is always a line.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太君も行きたい？Youta-kun mo ikitai?Do you want to go too, Youta?
- 陽太 Yotaもちろん、ぜひ行こう！Mochiron, zehi ikou!Of course, let's definitely go!
