Translation and Meaning of: 流行 - hayari

The word 「流行」 (hayari) in Japanese refers to what is in fashion or popular at a given moment. This expression can be used to describe trends in both fashion and other areas, such as music, technology, or even social behaviors. The kanji 「流」 means "to flow" or "to circulate," and 「行」 conveys the idea of "going" or "happening." Thus, the combination of the characters suggests something that spreads or moves widely and quickly among people.

The origin of the expression is deeply rooted in Japanese society, where the observation of trends and adaptation to them is an important cultural phenomenon. The verb 「流行る」 (hayaru), derived from the same root, means "to become popular" or "to be in vogue." In a country that values innovation and appreciates social harmony, being able to identify and keep up with trends is often seen as a desirable trait.

The etymology of the word helps to understand how trends are perceived in the Japanese cultural context. 「流」 and 「行」 are kanjis with dynamic connotations, representing the idea of movement and change, which are essential to the concept of fashion and popularity. This perception that something is "widely circulating" is closely linked to the way trends gain strength and dissipate quickly, something that is observed in the various phases of the modern world of consumption and technology.

Variations and Use in Society

• 流行語 (ryūkōgo)This term refers to words or expressions that become popular in a certain period. It is common to see annual competitions in Japan to choose the most popular words of the year.
• Epidemic (流行病 - ryūkōbyō)Although the connotation is slightly different, this term refers to epidemics or diseases that spread widely and rapidly, employing the same idea of something that flows through populations.

In addition to its application in fashion and culture, derived words such as 「流行語」 (ryūkōgo) and 「流行病」 (ryūkōbyō) demonstrate the versatility of the expression 「流行」. While 「流行語」 celebrates what is trending in vocabulary, 「流行病」 applies the concept to the field of public health. The richness of "流行" in the Japanese language exemplifies the intersection of communication, culture, and society, reflecting the importance of being in tune with the flow of trends and social transformations.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 流行り (hayari) - Trend, something that is in fashion.
• はやり (hayari) - Trend, fashion; generally refers to something popular at a certain time.
• はやりもの (hayarimono) - Popular items or styles; things that are trending.
• トレンド (torendo) - Trend; used mainly in modern or marketing contexts.
• ファッション (fasshon) - Fashion; it specifically refers to the field of clothing and style.
• 人気 (ninki) - Popularity; it can refer to the acceptance and preference for something in general.

流行

Romaji: hayari
Kana: はやり
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: fashion; fad; in vogue; prevalent

Meaning in English: fashionable;fad;in vogue;prevailing

Definition: Something that is generally accepted and popular in that period or region.

Example Sentences - (流行) hayari

See below some example sentences:

流行は常に変化しています。

Ryūkō wa tsuneni henka shiteimasu

Fashion is always changing.

The trend is constantly changing.

• 流行 (ryuukou) - moda
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 常に (tsuneni) - always
• 変化 (henka) - mudança
• しています (shiteimasu) - It's running