Translation guide
The English word "mob" can refer to a large, disorderly crowd, an ordinary person, or organized crime. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To refer to a large group of people, often unruly or threatening.
General term for a crowd of people, often in a public place. Can imply a large, anonymous gathering.
An angry mob gathered in the street.
Specifically a violent mob or rioting crowd. Stronger than 群衆.
A mob attacked the store.
A crowd of onlookers or rubberneckers, often at an accident or incident. Implies curiosity rather than violence.
A mob of onlookers gathered at the accident scene.
Literally 'a large number of people'. A neutral, common way to describe a big crowd without negative connotation.
There was a mob of people in the square.
To refer to an average, undistinguished person, or the masses.
An ordinary person, a mediocrity. Often used in contrast to genius or talent.
He's just a common mob.
The masses, the general public. Can be neutral or slightly derogatory depending on context.
Common people, the populace. Often used in historical or class contexts.
To refer to a criminal organization, especially the Mafia.
Direct loanword for 'Mafia'. Used specifically for Italian or Italian-style organized crime.
He's a member of the mob.
Loanword for 'gang'. Often used for street gangs or criminal groups, but can overlap with 'mob'.
English 'mob' often implies violence or disorder. In Japanese, 群衆 is neutral; use 暴徒 for violent mobs. 野次馬 is for curious onlookers, not rioters.
群衆 (crowd, neutral), 暴徒 (rioting mob, violent), 野次馬 (rubberneckers, curious onlookers). Choose based on the nature of the crowd.
大衆はすぐに流行に飛びつく。
The mob quickly jumps on trends.
Life for the common mob was harsh.
General term for organized crime groups, especially yakuza. Can be used for any violent criminal organization.
The mob controls that area.
The mob war intensified.