ポピュラー

ぽぴゅらー
na-adjective
popular, well-known
1. popular, well-known, widely liked
Widely known, accepted, or enjoyed by the general public. Used to describe things that have broad appeal, such as music, sports, or products.
サッカーは世界(せかい)でポピュラーなスポーツだ。
Soccer is a popular sport around the world.
ポピュラー音楽(おんがく)中心(ちゅうしん)()いている。
I mainly listen to popular music.
この料理(りょうり)外国人(がいこくじん)観光客(かんこうきゃく)(あいだ)でとてもポピュラーになっている。
This dish has become very popular among foreign tourists.

Borrowed from English "popular." Functions as a na-adjective in Japanese.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • ポピュラーな(きょく) (popular song)
  • ポピュラー音楽(おんがく) (popular music — often as a compound without な)
  • ポピュラーなスポーツ (popular sport)

DISTINCTIONS:

  • ポピュラー: widely known and liked by the general public; neutral, descriptive
  • 人気(にんき): popular in the sense of being currently in-demand or trendy; stronger sense of active popularity
  • 有名(ゆうめい): famous, well-known — focuses on recognition rather than being liked

ポピュラー describes broad, established appeal, while 人気(にんき) often implies current trendiness. A food can be ポピュラー (widely eaten) without being particularly 人気(にんき) (trending).