Japanese word

大衆

Pronunciation

Romajitaishū

Meaning

  • nounthe masses

Example

大衆は新しい音楽を好みます。tai shū wa atara shi i on gaku o kono mi ma su

The masses like new music.

Illustration for 大衆 (the masses)

More examples

この作品は大衆の心をつかんでいます。ko no saku hin wa tai shū no kokoro o tsu ka n de i ma su

This work has captured the hearts of the masses.

Core concept

Centers on viewing a broad population as one collective body in contrast with a small elite or specialized group.

Common phrases

  • 大衆文化tai shū bun ka

    popular culture

  • 大衆向けtai shū mu ke

    for the general public

  • 大衆の支持tai shū no shi ji

    support from the masses

Similar words

民衆minshū: Ordinary people viewed together as a social or political group.
公衆kōshū: People considered as the public in relation to an issue, place, or event.
庶民shomin: People who live ordinary lives and are not part of a wealthy or powerful class.

Definition in Japanese

社会を構成する多数の一般の人々。sha kai o kō sei su ru ta sū no ip pan no hito bito

Word origin

As a Sino-Japanese word, 大衆 (taishū) is formed from 大 (tai, "large") and 衆 (shū, "many people"), giving the sense of a large body of people.

Usage tips

  • The masses can refer to a broad population in discussions of public opinion or popular culture, not only to a crowd in one place.

Other meanings

  • general publicnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 大衆化taishūkapopularizationnoun
  • 大衆的taishūtekipopularna-adjective
  • 大衆性taishūseimass appealnoun

Word lists with this word