Translation guide
The concept of a minority group, a smaller number or part, or the state of being under legal age.
Referring to a group of people differing from the majority in race, religion, ethnicity, etc.
The most common and neutral term for a minority group in society, politics, or opinion.
Referring to a smaller portion of a whole, not necessarily people.
The state of being below the age of legal adulthood.
少数派 (しょうすうは) is used for groups of people with a shared characteristic or opinion, like a political minority. 少数 (しょうすう) simply means a small number and can be used for objects, events, or people in a numerical sense.
マイノリティ is almost exclusively used for social/demographic minority groups. For a simple numerical minority, use 少数.
彼は少数派の意見を代表している。
He represents the minority opinion.
少数民族の権利を守る必要がある。
We need to protect the rights of ethnic minorities.
Loanword from English, often used in academic or social contexts, especially for ethnic/sexual minorities.
性的マイノリティの人々への理解が深まっている。
Understanding of sexual minorities is deepening.
Literally 'minority person', used in formal or legal contexts, but less common than 少数派.
少数者の保護は民主主義の基本だ。
Protection of minorities is a fundamental principle of democracy.
Means 'small number' or 'minority' in the sense of a numerical minority. Often used with の.
賛成したのは少数だった。
Only a minority were in favor.
少数の学生だけが試験に合格した。
Only a minority of students passed the exam.
Emphasizes a very small minority or fraction, 'only a tiny part'.
その問題に関心があるのはごく一部の人だけだ。
Only a tiny minority of people are interested in that issue.
Standard legal term for a minor, someone under 20 (or 18 from 2022) in Japan.
未成年者の飲酒は法律で禁止されている。
Drinking by minors is prohibited by law.
Specifically 'a minor' (person).
この映画は未成年者には不適切です。
This movie is unsuitable for minors.