Translation guide
This English phrase refers to a large quantity or multitude of people or things. In Japanese, the most natural way to express this depends on context, with common words like 大勢 for people and たくさん for general large amounts. Direct translation of 'great numbers' as a single noun phrase is less common; instead, use quantifiers or descriptive phrases.
To express that there is a large crowd or many people.
Specifically means 'a large number of people'. Used as a noun or adverb.
大勢の人が集まった。
A great number of people gathered.
公園には大勢の子供がいた。
There were great numbers of children in the park.
General word for 'many' or 'a lot'. Can be used for people or things, but 大勢 is more specific for people.
たくさんの人が来た。
A great number of people came.
Formal term for 'large number', often used in written or official contexts.
多数の参加者が会議に出席した。
A great number of participants attended the meeting.
To express that there is a large amount or many items.
The most common and versatile word for 'many' or 'a lot'.
本がたくさんある。
There are a great number of books.
たくさんの問題を解決しなければならない。
We have to solve a great number of problems.
Means 'in great numbers' or 'numerous', slightly more formal than たくさん.
数多くの星が空に見える。
A great number of stars are visible in the sky.
Formal, often used for countable items in reports or news.
Means 'large quantity' or 'mass', often for uncountable things or bulk amounts.
To describe an action happening with many participants or items.
Means 'in great numbers' or 'en masse', often for people moving or acting together.
観光客が大挙して押し寄せた。
Tourists came in great numbers.
Onomatopoeic adverb meaning 'one after another' or 'in succession', implying large numbers.
人々がぞくぞくと集まってきた。
People gathered in great numbers.
Used adverbially to mean 'in great numbers', often in formal writing.
数多く存在する。
Exist in great numbers.
Directly translating 'great numbers' as 偉大な数 (idai na kazu) is unnatural. Use quantifiers like 大勢, たくさん, or 多数 depending on context.
大勢 (おおぜい) specifically means a large number of people and is more natural than たくさん when referring to crowds. たくさん can be used for people but is less specific.
A great number of complaints were received.
大量のデータを処理する。
Process a great number of data.