Meaning and Usage
"流行" (りゅうこう) primarily means "fashionable" or "in vogue," but it also refers to something that is currently popular or spreading widely, such as a fad or an epidemic.
Common Contexts
It is often used to talk about fashion trends, popular behaviors, or the spread of diseases like the flu. For example, "流行の服" means "fashionable clothes," while "インフルエンザが流行する" means "the flu is spreading."
Collocations and Patterns
- 流行する: to become popular or to spread (used for trends or diseases)
- 流行っている: currently popular or widespread
- 流行に敏感: sensitive to trends
Register and Nuance
"流行" is a neutral term used in both casual and formal contexts. When referring to diseases, it often appears in news or health-related conversations. When talking about fashion or trends, it is common in everyday conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "流行" with "人気" (popularity). While "人気" focuses on general popularity, "流行" emphasizes current trends or something spreading rapidly. Use "流行" when you want to highlight something that is currently in fashion or spreading widely.