Japanese word

民衆

Pronunciation

Romajiminshū

Meaning

  • nounthe people

Example

民衆は自由を求めて声を上げました。min shū wa ji yū o moto me te koe o a ge ma shi ta

The people raised their voices for freedom.

Illustration for 民衆 (the people)

More examples

ニュースは民衆の不安を大きくしました。nyū su wa min shū no fu an o ō ki ku shi ma shi ta

The news greatly increased the people's anxiety.

Core concept

Describes ordinary people as a collective social group, often in contrast with those who hold power or privilege.

Common phrases

  • 民衆の声min shū no koe

    the voice of the people

  • 民衆の支持min shū no shi ji

    the people's support

  • 民衆に訴えるmin shū ni utta e ru

    appeal to the people

Similar words

大衆taishū: A large group of ordinary people considered collectively, especially as the public in society.
庶民shomin: Ordinary people outside the ruling, wealthy, or privileged classes.
人民jinmin: The people of a country or society considered as a political group.

Definition in Japanese

社会を構成する一般の人々。sha kai o kō sei su ru ip pan no hito bito

Word origin

The word 民衆 (minshū) combines 民 (min, "people") and 衆 (shū, "a group of people"), forming a term for people viewed as a collective.

Usage tips

  • In English, the masses often sounds more formal and distant than the people, a distinction that helps explain the range of 民衆 (minshū).

Other meanings

  • the massesnoun

Word lists with this word