Translation guide
The general population or common people of a place. In Japanese, the most natural translation depends on context: 国民 for citizens of a nation, 住民 for residents of an area, 大衆 for the masses, and 民衆 for the common people in a political or historical sense.
Referring to the people of a nation as a whole, often in political or social contexts.
The standard term for the people of a nation, often used in formal or political contexts.
国民の声を聞くべきだ。
We should listen to the voice of the populace.
Refers to the common people, often with a nuance of the masses or the general public, sometimes in contrast to the elite.
民衆の支持を得る。
To gain the support of the populace.
Referring to the people living in a particular town, city, or region.
The most common word for residents or inhabitants of a specific area.
この町の住民は親切だ。
The populace of this town is kind.
Literally 'local people', used for the populace of a specific locality in a more casual sense.
地元の人々に愛される店。
A shop loved by the local populace.
Referring to the common people as a large, undifferentiated group, often in cultural or media contexts.
The masses, the general public. Often used in compounds like 大衆文化 (popular culture).
大衆の意見は変わりやすい。
The opinion of the populace is fickle.
Common people, ordinary citizens. Has a slightly warmer, more down-to-earth nuance than 大衆.
A very general way to refer to people in a place, without political or formal nuance.
Simply 'people'. The most neutral and common way to refer to a group of people.
街の人々は忙しそうだ。
The populace of the city looks busy.
国民 refers to citizens of a nation, often in legal/political contexts. 住民 refers to residents of a specific area (town, city, etc.). 大衆 refers to the masses in a cultural or sociological sense. Choose based on the scope and nuance you need.
English 'populace' can sound formal or literary. In Japanese, using 国民 or 住民 is more natural in most contexts. Overusing 民衆 or 大衆 may sound like a political speech or academic text.
To know the life of the common populace.