1.
topic, subject (of conversation)
What is being talked about; the subject matter of a discussion or conversation.
話題を変えましょう。
Let's change the subject.
話題を変える = to change the topic
何か面白い話題はありますか。
Is there any interesting topic to talk about?
彼女はいつも話題が豊富で、話していて楽しい。
She always has plenty of topics to talk about, so conversations with her are enjoyable.
話題が豊富 = to have many things to talk about
共通の話題があると、初めて会った人とも仲よくなりやすい。
If you share a common topic, it's easy to get along with someone you've just met.
共通の話題 = a common topic of interest
会議の話題が来月の計画から予算の問題に変わった。
The topic of the meeting shifted from next month's plan to budget issues.
2.
hot topic, trending topic
Something that is currently being widely discussed or is popular.
この映画は話題になっている。
This movie is a hot topic. / This movie is being talked about.
話題になる = to become a topic of discussion
あの店は今話題のレストランだ。
That restaurant is the one everyone's talking about right now.
話題の + noun = the much-talked-about ~
話題の新商品を買ってみたが、期待ほどではなかった。
I tried buying the much-talked-about new product, but it wasn't as good as I expected.
そのニュースは世界中で大きな話題になった。
That news became a big talking point around the world.
大きな話題になる = to become a big talking point
SNSで話題になった動画を友達に見せたら、みんな驚いていた。
When I showed my friends a video that went viral on social media, everyone was surprised.
USAGE: 話題 refers to conversation topics or things being discussed publicly.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 話題を変える (to change the subject)
- 話題になる (to become a topic of discussion)
- 話題を提供する (to provide a topic)
- 話題の映画/本 (a movie/book that everyone is talking about)
- 共通の話題 (common topic of interest)
CONTRAST:
- 話題 - topic of conversation
- 題名 - title (of a work)
- {テーマ} - theme, main subject