1.
trend, fashion, vogue
A popular style, practice, or interest that is widely followed at a particular time.
今の流行は何ですか。
What's the current trend?
このデザインは去年流行した。
This design was popular last year.
流行を追うのは疲れる。
It's tiring to chase trends.
流行を追う = to chase trends
2.
epidemic, outbreak
The rapid spread of a disease.
インフルエンザが流行している。
The flu is going around.
今年の冬は風邪が大流行した。
Colds spread widely this winter.
大流行 = big epidemic, widespread outbreak
その病気の流行を防ぐために、手洗いが大切だ。
Handwashing is important to prevent the spread of that disease.
USAGE: 流行 has two main meanings: (1) fashion/trends in culture and society, and (2) the spread of diseases.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 流行する (to be in fashion, to spread)
- 流行に乗る (to follow a trend)
- 流行を追う (to chase trends)
- 大流行 (big trend, epidemic)
- 流行語 (buzzword, trendy word)
NOTE: Can also be read as はやり in casual speech, especially for fashion/trends.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- トレンド - trend (loanword)
- ブーム - boom, craze