Translation guide
The English phrase "the people" can refer to the general public, citizens, or a specific group of individuals. In Japanese, the translation depends heavily on context, including formality, political nuance, and whether you mean people as a collective or as individuals.
Referring to the people of a nation, community, or society in a general sense.
The standard term for 'the people' of a nation, often used in political or formal contexts.
We should listen to the voice of the people.
Often used in political or ideological contexts, such as 'the people' in communist or democratic rhetoric. Can sound formal or ideological.
Realize politics for the people.
Refers to the common people or the masses, often with a nuance of ordinary citizens as opposed to the elite.
Gain the support of the people.
Common people, often with a nuance of the lower or middle class, sometimes used historically.
Know the lives of the common people.
Referring to people in a broad, non-specific sense, similar to 'everyone' or 'humans'.
Referring to a particular set of individuals, such as 'the people in this room' or 'the people I met'.
Emphasizing the distinction between ordinary citizens and those in power.
A somewhat literary or formal term for 'the people' in contrast to the ruler or state. Often used in historical or political contexts.
The king served the people.
Also used in this contrastive sense, especially in modern political discourse.
国民 is the most neutral and common for 'the people' of a nation. 人民 carries political or ideological weight, often used in leftist contexts. 民衆 emphasizes the common masses versus the elite.
English 'the people' is often used where Japanese would simply use 人 or 人々 without an article. Do not force a translation with その or この unless specifying a particular group.
The people have a right to know.
The people in this city are friendly.
Respect the opinions of people.
政府は国民の利益を守るべきだ。
The government should protect the interests of the people.