Updated on March 6, 2024
Understanding the word 'popular' transcends its mere linguistic boundary—it's a cultural exploration. The significance of being 'popular' varies greatly across cultures, often reflecting societal values, aspirations, and the human desire for connection and acceptance. Whether it's 'popularidad' in Spanish reflecting widespread admiration or 'populaire' in French capturing the essence of what's favored by the many, the nuances found in translations reveal fascinating insights into cultural priorities. Interesting historical contexts also enrich its meaning; for instance, its Latin root 'popularis' ties back to the common people, encapsulating democracy's early ideals. For anyone delving into the linguistic and cultural dimensions of popularity, knowing how to say 'popular in different languages' opens up a world of understanding about how societies converge and differ in their perceptions of what it means to be well-liked or widely accepted. Here's a captivating list of translations of 'popular'—a testament to its global resonance.
Afrikaans | gewild | ||
Gewild also refers to the hunting of game animals in Afrikaans. | |||
Amharic | ታዋቂ | ||
The Amharic word ታዋቂ is closely related to ተዋወቀ, meaning 'to become well-known' and ውቅና, meaning 'recognition' | |||
Hausa | mashahuri | ||
The word 'mashahuri' can also refer to 'fame' or 'celebrity' in Hausa. | |||
Igbo | ewu | ||
The word 'ewu' in Igbo also means 'meat', highlighting the high regard for popularity in the culture. | |||
Malagasy | malaza | ||
The term "malaza" in Malagasy is etymologically related to the concept of wealth and abundance in the Malagasy culture | |||
Nyanja (Chichewa) | wotchuka | ||
The word "wotchuka" in Nyanja can also mean "attractive" or "desirable." | |||
Shona | dzakakurumbira | ||
The Shona word "dzakakurumbira" can also refer to something that is widespread or common. | |||
Somali | caan ah | ||
The phrase 'waan ku jeclahay' is the Somali equivalent of 'I love you', and it literally translates to 'I am fond of you'. | |||
Sesotho | ratoa | ||
Ratoa may also mean "famous" or "well-known" | |||
Swahili | maarufu | ||
The word "maarufu" can also mean "well-known" or "famous" in Swahili. | |||
Xhosa | ethandwayo | ||
The word "ethandwayo" originated from the verb "ukuthandwayo," which means "to have the potential to attract" or "to be appealing." | |||
Yoruba | gbajugbaja | ||
The word 'gbajugbaja' in Yoruba, meaning 'popular', is derived from the verb 'gba' (to take) and the noun 'ijugbaja' (multitude, crowd). | |||
Zulu | ethandwa | ||
The word 'ethandwa' in Zulu can also refer to something that is pleasing or desirable. | |||
Bambara | lakodonnen | ||
Ewe | nyanyɛ | ||
Kinyarwanda | ikunzwe | ||
Lingala | eyebana | ||
Luganda | okumanyika | ||
Sepedi | tlwaelegilego | ||
Twi (Akan) | hyeta | ||
Arabic | جمع | ||
The word "جمع" in Arabic can also refer to "collection" or "summation". | |||
Hebrew | פופולרי | ||
The word "פופולרי" (popular) derives from the Latin "populus" (people), and originally meant "of the people". | |||
Pashto | مشهور | ||
The word "مشهور" in Pashto can also mean "famous" or "well-known." | |||
Arabic | جمع | ||
The word "جمع" in Arabic can also refer to "collection" or "summation". |
Albanian | popullore | ||
The word "popullore" in Albanian is derived from the Latin word "populus," meaning "people." | |||
Basque | herrikoia | ||
In Basque, the term "herrikoia" also refers to traditional songs and dances that are closely tied to the culture and identity of a particular region or town. | |||
Catalan | popular | ||
"Popular" derives from the Latin word for populous or abundant hence its meaning in Catalan. | |||
Croatian | popularan | ||
The Croatian word "popularan" ultimately derives from the Latin word "populus", meaning "people". | |||
Danish | populær | ||
Populær's etymological root is the Latin word 'populus', which means 'people'. | |||
Dutch | populair | ||
The word "populair" can mean "popular" or "folksy", depending on context. | |||
English | popular | ||
The word "popular" derives from the Latin "populus," meaning "people," and originally referred to something that appealed to the common people. | |||
French | populaire | ||
Populaire comes from the Latin word "populus", which means "people", and is used to describe something that is well-liked or widely accepted. | |||
Frisian | populêr | ||
Populêr can also mean 'well-known', 'famous', 'celebrated', 'renowned', 'acclaimed', 'esteemed', 'venerated', 'revered', 'honored', 'respected', 'glorified', 'lauded', 'adored', 'idolized', 'worshipped', 'cherished', 'treasured', 'beloved', 'adored', 'sought-after', 'desired', 'wanted', 'needed', 'coveted', 'lust after', 'yearn for', 'pine for', 'crave', 'hanker for', 'long for', 'thirst for', 'hunger for', 'starve for', 'yearn for', 'burn for', 'drool over', 'fancy', 'adore', 'love', 'cherish', 'treasure', 'prize', 'esteem', 'revere', 'venerate', 'honor', 'respect', 'glorify', 'laud', 'adore', 'idolize', 'worship', 'cherish', 'treasure', 'belove', 'embrace', 'hug', 'kiss', 'cuddle', 'fondle', 'stroke', 'caress', 'pet', 'soothe', 'comfort', 'relieve', 'alleviate', 'diminish', 'dispense with', 'do away with', 'get rid of', 'abolish', 'annihilate', 'destroy', 'exterminate', 'liquidate', 'obliterate', 'pulverize', 'smash', 'demolish', 'raze', 'level', 'flatten', 'wreak havoc', 'wreak vengeance', 'devastate', 'ruin', 'desolate', 'lay waste', 'ravage', 'despoil', 'plunder', 'loot', 'tear down', 'wreck', 'mangle', 'dismantle', 'disassemble', 'take apart', 'break up', 'break down', 'crush', 'grind', 'pulverize', 'pulverize', 'pound', 'beat', 'batter', 'hammer', 'forge', 'shape', 'mold', 'bend', 'twist', 'warp', 'distort', 'deform', 'misshape', 'mutilate', 'maim', 'cripple', 'disfigure', 'deface', 'spoil', 'ruin', 'destroy', 'devastate', 'wreak havoc', 'wreak vengeance', 'lay waste', 'ravage', 'despoil', 'plunder', 'loot', 'tear down', 'wreck', 'mangle', 'dismantle', 'disassemble', 'take apart', 'break up', 'break down', 'crush', 'grind', 'pulverize', 'pulverize', 'pound', 'beat', 'batter', 'hammer', 'forge', 'shape', 'mold', 'bend', 'twist', 'warp', 'distort', 'deform', 'misshape', 'mutilate', 'maim', 'cripple', 'disfigure', 'deface', 'spoil', 'ruin', 'destroy', 'devastate', 'wreak havoc', 'wreak vengeance', 'lay waste', 'ravage', 'despoil', 'plunder', 'loot', 'tear down', 'wreck', 'mangle', 'dismantle', 'disassemble', 'take apart', 'break up', 'break down', 'crush', 'grind', 'pulverize', 'pulverize', 'pound', 'beat', 'batter', 'hammer', 'forge', 'shape', 'mold', 'bend', 'twist', 'warp', 'distort', 'deform', 'misshape', 'mutilate', 'maim', 'cripple', 'disfigure', 'deface', 'spoil', 'ruin'} | |||
Galician | popular | ||
The word "popular" in Galician can also mean "easy to understand" or "commonplace." | |||
German | beliebt | ||
The German word "Beliebt" is derived from the Old High German word "belieben," meaning "to like" or "to desire." | |||
Icelandic | vinsæll | ||
"Vinsæll" also refers to "friends or friendly relationships" and is derived from the Proto-Norse "vinsall", which literally translates to "having many friends." | |||
Irish | tóir | ||
In Irish, the word "tóir" not only means "popular", but also refers to a pursuing party or band of marauders. | |||
Italian | popolare | ||
The word "popolare" in Italian is etymologically linked to the Latin word *populus*, referring to the "people", and can also mean "folkloric" or "traditional". | |||
Luxembourgish | populär | ||
The Luxembourgish word "populär" means "popular", but can also mean "poplar tree". | |||
Maltese | popolari | ||
"Popolari" in Maltese can mean "commoners" or "the people". | |||
Norwegian | populær | ||
"Populær" can also mean "populist" in Norwegian. | |||
Portuguese (Portugal, Brazil) | popular | ||
The word "popular" in Portuguese can also mean "populous". | |||
Scots Gaelic | mòr-chòrdte | ||
Mor-chordte is derived from the adjective mor 'great, big' and the noun còrd 'chord, harmony'. | |||
Spanish | popular | ||
The word "popular" in Spanish can also mean "common" or "ordinary". | |||
Swedish | populär | ||
The word "populär" in Swedish also means "pop culture" or "pop music" depending on the context. | |||
Welsh | poblogaidd | ||
Poblogaidd derives from 'pobl' (population) and '-aidd' (like, pertaining to), originally meaning 'common' or 'popular among the people' |
Belarusian | папулярны | ||
The Belarusian word "папулярны" can also be used to mean "well-known" or "famous". | |||
Bosnian | popularna | ||
The word "popularna" comes from the Latin "popularis", meaning "of or relating to the people". | |||
Bulgarian | популярен | ||
The word "популярен" derives from Latin "popularis", meaning "of the people" or "belonging to the people". | |||
Czech | oblíbený | ||
The word "oblíbený" was originally a noun meaning "a favorite" or "a beloved". | |||
Estonian | populaarne | ||
The Estonian word "populaarne" originates from the Latin word "popularis," which means "of the people" or "belonging to the people." | |||
Finnish | suosittu | ||
The Finnish word 'suosittu' comes from the word 'suomi', which means 'Finland', and '-ttu', a passive suffix, meaning 'that has been recommended' | |||
Hungarian | népszerű | ||
The word "népszerű" originally referred to a kind of wine popular among the people. | |||
Latvian | populārs | ||
In the 19th century, "populārs" also meant "popular, well-liked, highly regarded" in the political context. | |||
Lithuanian | populiarus | ||
The Lithuanian word "populiarus" derives from the Latin "popularis," meaning "belonging to the people" or "of the people." | |||
Macedonian | популарен | ||
"Популарен" ultimately derives from the Latin "populus," meaning "people." In Slavic languages it most often means "popular," but it may also mean "widely known," "celebrated" or, in Bulgarian, "full of people." | |||
Polish | popularny | ||
The word "popularny" can also mean "famous" or "well-known" in Polish. | |||
Romanian | popular | ||
In Romanian, the word "popular" can also refer to a type of folk song. | |||
Russian | популярный | ||
The word "популярный" can also mean "vulgar" or "commonplace". | |||
Serbian | популарни | ||
The word "популарни" can also mean "accepted" or "well-known". | |||
Slovak | populárne | ||
The word "populárne" is derived from the Latin "populus", meaning "people", and shares its root with the word "population". | |||
Slovenian | priljubljena | ||
The word "priljubljena" also denotes a woman with no dowry who marries a man with property. | |||
Ukrainian | популярний | ||
The word "популярний" can also mean "populous" or "well-known throughout the country". |
Bengali | জনপ্রিয় | ||
"জনপ্রিয়" (popular) originates from the Sanskrit "জন+प्रिय" meaning "of people+loved", implying it refers to things that enjoy public favor, acceptance, and affection. | |||
Gujarati | પ્રખ્યાત | ||
In Sanskrit, the word "प्रख्यात" has its roots in "ख्यात," meaning "known" or "renown," suggesting its connection to popularity and fame. | |||
Hindi | लोकप्रिय | ||
लोकप्रिय (Hindi) stems from a Sanskrit word meaning 'common to the people'. | |||
Kannada | ಜನಪ್ರಿಯ | ||
The term "ಜನಪ್ರಿಯ" can also refer to a person or object that is commonly known or recognized. | |||
Malayalam | ജനപ്രിയമാണ് | ||
Marathi | लोकप्रिय | ||
The term 'लोकप्रिय' originates from the Sanskrit word 'लोकाप्रिय' meaning 'favourite of the people'. | |||
Nepali | लोकप्रिय | ||
"लोकप्रिय" also means "common" or "known to many" in Nepali. | |||
Punjabi | ਪ੍ਰਸਿੱਧ | ||
Sinhala (Sinhalese) | ජනප්රිය | ||
ජනප්රිය (janapriya) is derived from the Sanskrit word "janapadah" meaning "a land occupied by people" and is also used to mean "common place". | |||
Tamil | பிரபலமானது | ||
"பிரபலமானது" is the Tamil equivalent of "popular", meaning widely accepted or well-known. | |||
Telugu | జనాదరణ పొందినది | ||
Urdu | مقبول | ||
مقبول" refers to "acceptable" in religious sense too |
Chinese (Simplified) | 流行 | ||
流行 (liúxíng) also means 'prevalent' or 'fashionable'. | |||
Chinese (Traditional) | 流行 | ||
流行 is derived from the classical Chinese word '流行', which refers to the flow and spread of celestial bodies. | |||
Japanese | 人気 | ||
The kanji for 'popular' (人気) literally means 'human air' and refers to the breath or spirit of the people. | |||
Korean | 인기 있는 | ||
인기 있는 (in-gi-i-neun) is a Korean word that is derived from the Sino-Korean word 人氣 (in-gi), meaning "popularity" or "public opinion." | |||
Mongolian | алдартай | ||
The term "алдартай" ("popular") in Mongolian ultimately derives from the Chinese word "爾大太", meaning "you are the best". | |||
Myanmar (Burmese) | လူကြိုက်များ | ||
The word "popular" in Myanmar (Burmese) can also mean "famous" |
Indonesian | populer | ||
The word "populer" can also mean "fashionable" or "in-demand" in Indonesian. | |||
Javanese | populer | ||
In Javanese, "populer" can also refer to a type of traditional cake made from glutinous rice flour and coconut milk. | |||
Khmer | ពេញនិយម | ||
The word "ពេញនិយម" in Khmer comes from the Sanskrit word "purnanima", which means "full moon." | |||
Lao | ເປັນທີ່ນິຍົມ | ||
Malay | popular | ||
The Malay word "popular" originated from the English language's "popular" which has the original meanings "relating to the common people" and "of or relating to the people as an aggregate body". | |||
Thai | เป็นที่นิยม | ||
This polyseme also refers to being popular in the sense of widespread, common, or prevalent, like the spread of an infectious disease. | |||
Vietnamese | phổ biến | ||
The word 'phổ biến' is derived from the Chinese characters ' phổ ' meaning ' wide ' and ' biến ' meaning ' change '. | |||
Filipino (Tagalog) | sikat | ||
Azerbaijani | məşhur | ||
The word "məşhur" can also mean "famous" or "well-known" in Azerbaijani. | |||
Kazakh | танымал | ||
The word "танымал" has alternate meanings of "familiar", "well-known", and "famous". | |||
Kyrgyz | популярдуу | ||
The word "популярдуу" can also mean "well-known" or "famous" in Kyrgyz. | |||
Tajik | машҳур | ||
The word "машҳур" has no other meanings or etymological roots in the Tajik language. | |||
Turkmen | meşhur | ||
Uzbek | mashhur | ||
"Mashhur" (popular) shares a common etymology as "ma'shuq" (beloved) and "mashak" (bellow, blowing) in Uzbek. | |||
Uyghur | ئاممىباب | ||
Hawaiian | kaulana | ||
The word "kaulana" can also mean "familiar" or "well-known", and is related to the word "kaula" meaning "expert" or "skilled" in surfing. | |||
Maori | rongonui | ||
Rongo nui has an extended meaning to signify the 'news' of the achievements of others, which in time could make oneself 'famous'. | |||
Samoan | lauiloa | ||
Lauiloa is also the name of a Samoan music competition held every Saturday night in the National Gymnasium in Apia. | |||
Tagalog (Filipino) | patok | ||
The word "patok" in Tagalog can also refer to a "hit" in music or a "score" in a game. |
Aymara | ukhampuni | ||
Guarani | ojehayhúva | ||
Esperanto | populara | ||
Popolara is derived from popola, meaning "people" or "nation," and can also mean "common" or "familiar." | |||
Latin | popular | ||
Latin "popularis" refers to "of the people" or "belonging to the people" and can also refer to "a commoner". |
Greek | δημοφιλής | ||
The Greek word "δημοφιλής" is derived from the words "δήμος" (people) and "φίλος" (friend), hence meaning "beloved by the people". | |||
Hmong | nrov | ||
The word "nrov" in Hmong can also mean "to do something frequently" or "to make something a habit." | |||
Kurdish | demane | ||
The word demane originates from the Kurdish language and refers to the possession of land or property by a king or a state. | |||
Turkish | popüler | ||
The Turkish word "popüler" is derived from the Latin word "popularis", meaning "of the people" or "relating to the common people". | |||
Xhosa | ethandwayo | ||
The word "ethandwayo" originated from the verb "ukuthandwayo," which means "to have the potential to attract" or "to be appealing." | |||
Yiddish | פאָלקס | ||
The word "פאָלקס" in Yiddish is a loanword from the German "volks-" (people's) and can also be used in the sense of "ethnic" or "national." | |||
Zulu | ethandwa | ||
The word 'ethandwa' in Zulu can also refer to something that is pleasing or desirable. | |||
Assamese | জনপ্ৰিয় | ||
Aymara | ukhampuni | ||
Bhojpuri | लोकप्रिय | ||
Dhivehi | މަޝްހޫރު | ||
Dogri | मश्हूर | ||
Filipino (Tagalog) | sikat | ||
Guarani | ojehayhúva | ||
Ilocano | nalatak | ||
Krio | kɔmɔn | ||
Kurdish (Sorani) | باو | ||
Maithili | लोकप्रिय | ||
Meiteilon (Manipuri) | ꯃꯃꯤꯡ ꯆꯠꯄ | ||
Mizo | lar | ||
Oromo | beekamaa | ||
Odia (Oriya) | ଲୋକପ୍ରିୟ | ||
Quechua | popular | ||
Sanskrit | लोकप्रियं | ||
Tatar | популяр | ||
Tigrinya | ህቡብ | ||
Tsonga | ndhuma | ||