Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'the common people' can be expressed through various terms that emphasize ordinariness, the general public, or the masses. The most natural and common way is 庶民 (shomin), which refers to ordinary citizens without special status. Other terms like 一般市民 (ippan shimin) and 大衆 (taishū) are also used depending on context, such as formal settings or when contrasting with elites.
the general public
Formal, often used in official contexts.
Referring to regular citizens without special rank, wealth, or power, often in contrast to the elite or ruling class.
The most common and natural term for 'the common people' in everyday speech. It carries a neutral to slightly humble tone, often used in historical or social contexts to refer to ordinary folks.
The lives of the common people have changed greatly compared to the past.
He is said to be a friend of the common people.
Literally 'general citizens', this term is more formal and often used in news, legal, or official contexts to refer to the public at large.
We need to hear the opinions of the general public.
Refers to 'the masses' or 'the general public', often with a nuance of a large, undifferentiated group. Common in discussions of culture, media, or politics.
Popular culture changes with the times.
A somewhat literary or historical term for 'the people' or 'the populace', often used in contexts of social movements or revolutions.
The voice of the people moved politics.
Emphasizing the typical, everyday person without special distinction, often in a relatable or humble sense.
Again, 庶民 is the go-to term for this nuance. It can be used self-deprecatingly or affectionately.
For ordinary people, high-end restaurants are hard to afford.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'ordinary people'. It's very clear and neutral, but slightly less idiomatic as a set term than 庶民.
Means 'general person' or 'average person'. Used in explanations or when contrasting with specialists or celebrities.
庶民 (shomin) is the most everyday term for 'common people', often with a warm or humble nuance. 大衆 (taishū) refers to 'the masses' and is common in phrases like 大衆文化 (popular culture). 一般市民 (ippan shimin) is more formal and used in news or legal contexts to mean 'general citizens'.
a politician who values the common people's perspective
to gain the support of the masses
a survey targeting the general public
The English word 'common' can be translated as 共通 (kyōtsū, shared) or 普通 (futsū, ordinary), but 'the common people' is not 共通の人々 or 普通の人々 in natural Japanese. Use 庶民 or other set terms instead.
The common people suffered the most during the war.
This policy benefits the common people.
I want to know what kind of lives ordinary people lead.
It's technical jargon that's hard for the average person to understand.