Japanese word

便乗

Pronunciation

Romajibinjō

Meaning

  • nounjumping on the bandwagon

Example

流行に便乗する店が増えています。ryū kō ni bin jō su ru mise ga fu e te i ma su

More stores are jumping on the bandwagon.

Illustration for 便乗 (jumping on the bandwagon)

More examples

一時的な人気への便乗は、長期的な成功につながりません。ichi ji teki na nin ki e no bin jō wa chō ki teki na sei kō ni tsu na ga ri ma se n

Taking advantage of a brief wave of popularity does not lead to lasting success.

Core concept

Describes joining an existing trend or opportunity to gain a benefit from its momentum.

Common phrases

  • 話題に便乗wa dai ni bin jō

    capitalize on a topic

  • 流行に便乗ryū kō ni bin jō

    jump on a trend

Similar words

相乗りainori: Joining an existing plan, trend, or opportunity to share in its benefits.
追随tsuizui: Following a person, group, or trend after it has gained attention or success.
迎合geigō: Adapting to popular opinions or demands to gain approval or an advantage.

Definition in Japanese

他人や世間の動きに合わせ、その勢いや好都合な状況を利用して利益を得ること。ta nin ya se ken no ugo ki ni a wa se so no ikio i ya kō tsu gō na jō kyō o ri yō shi te ri eki o e ru ko to

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 便乗 (binjō) combines 便 (ben, "convenience") and 乗 (jō, "ride"), expressing the idea of riding along with something useful.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may hear "jumping on the bandwagon" as fairly neutral, while 便乗 (binjō) often suggests joining a trend for personal advantage and can sound critical.

Other meanings

  • taking advantagenoun

Related words

  • 便乗するbinjōsurujump on the bandwagonverb
  • 便乗者binjōshabandwagon jumpernoun

Word lists with this word