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.
He represents the minority opinion.
We need to protect the rights of ethnic minorities.
Loanword from English, often used in academic or social contexts, especially for ethnic/sexual minorities.
Understanding of sexual minorities is deepening.
Literally 'minority person', used in formal or legal contexts, but less common than 少数派.
Protection of minorities is a fundamental principle of democracy.
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.
Only a minority of students passed the exam.
Only a tiny minority of people are interested in that issue.
This movie is unsuitable for minors.