Proverb / Kotowaza
一世風靡
To take the world by storm or define an entire era throughout society.
To sweep over an entire era like the wind
Quick Answer
To take the world by storm or define an entire era throughout society.
- Literal Image
- To sweep over an entire era like the wind
- How to Use It
- Used to describe people, groups, products, or fashions that achieve massive popularity that defines a specific time period.
Meaning
It describes something that becomes immensely popular across an entire society for a certain time. It implies a dominant influence or trend that commands attention, much like the wind moving across a landscape and flattening the grass in its path.
Literal Image
To sweep over an entire era like the wind
How to Use It
Used to describe people, groups, products, or fashions that achieve massive popularity that defines a specific time period.
Tone
Impactful and neutral; can be used when reflecting on past trends or acknowledging a major current sensation.
Examples
そのアイドルグループは、80年代に一世風靡した。
That idol group took the world by storm in the 1980s.
かつて一世風靡したファッションが、再び注目を集めている。
Fashions that once swept through society are gaining attention once again.
このおもちゃは発売と同時に一世風靡し、品薄状態が続いた。
This toy became a sensation as soon as it was released, leading to continuous shortages.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The phrase uses advanced vocabulary and specialized kanji, particularly the character for 'fubi' (靡). While it is a standard four-kanji compound, the metaphorical meaning requires understanding classical imagery.
一世
いっせい / issei
one era or generation
風靡
ふうび / fubi
sweeping over; swaying like the wind
Usage Profile
Usage note: This can be used for large-scale societal trends, not minor personal successes.
Misread Risk
Ensure you use the past tense when referring to trends that have already ended, as it is typical in retrospective contexts.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
'Issei' (一世) refers to a single era. 'Fubi' (風靡) means to make things submit, similar to how the wind flattens grass and trees. The phrase depicts a phenomenon so powerful that it commands the attention of an entire generation.
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Source Note
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