Translation guide
The concept of 'mass democracy' refers to a political system where the general population has broad participation in decision-making, often contrasted with elite or representative models. In Japanese, this is typically expressed through direct translations or descriptive phrases.
To refer to the political system where the masses participate in governance, often implying direct or populist democracy.
The most direct translation, combining '大衆' (masses) and '民主主義' (democracy). Commonly used in political science contexts.
大衆民主主義は、国民の直接参加を重視する。
Mass democracy emphasizes direct participation by the people.
A more descriptive phrase meaning 'democracy by the masses'. Slightly less common but clear.
この運動は大衆による民主主義を目指している。
This movement aims for mass democracy.
A less common term that can be found in older or specialized texts. Not widely used in modern discourse.
衆民主義の理念は古代ギリシャに遡る。
The idea of mass democracy dates back to ancient Greece.
When 'mass democracy' implies a system where popular sentiment directly influences policy, often with a populist tone.
Literally 'direct democracy'. Often used when the emphasis is on direct participation rather than representation. Note: this is a broader term, but fits when 'mass democracy' implies direct rule by the people.
インターネットは直接民主主義の可能性を広げた。
The internet has expanded the possibilities of mass democracy.
A combination of 'populism' and 'democracy', used when the mass aspect has a populist character. Note: this is a loanword hybrid.
その政策はポピュリズム民主主義の典型だ。
That policy is typical of mass democracy.
Focusing on the involvement of large numbers of ordinary people in the democratic process.
Means 'mass-participation democracy'. Emphasizes the active role of the masses.
大衆参加型民主主義は、市民の政治意識を高める。
Mass democracy raises citizens' political awareness.
大衆民主主義 (mass democracy) often implies a system where the general population has significant influence, possibly through referendums or mass movements, but not necessarily direct voting on every issue. 直接民主主義 (direct democracy) specifically means citizens vote on policies directly. In many contexts, they overlap, but 大衆民主主義 can also include representative systems with strong popular input.
The English phrase 'mass democracy' is not always translated word-for-word. In some contexts, it may be better to describe the concept rather than use a set phrase. For example, 'a system of mass democracy' could be rendered as 大衆が政治に直接参加する制度 (a system where the masses directly participate in politics).
大衆民主主義はポピュリズムにつながることがある。
Mass democracy can lead to populism.
大衆民主主義の台頭が政治情勢を変えた。
The rise of mass democracy changed the political landscape.
Literally 'grassroots democracy'. Often used when the mass participation is from the bottom up, though it can overlap with mass democracy.
草の根民主主義が地域を変えた。
Mass democracy changed the community.