Translation guide
Expresses the general population, ordinary people, or the community as a whole. Japanese uses different words depending on whether you mean 'the people' in a civic sense, 'the masses', or 'society at large'. The most common equivalent is 一般の人々, but context matters.
This facility is open to the general public.
Often used as a prefix or in compounds to mean 'general' or 'public'. Can stand alone in some contexts.
The general public cannot enter.
Refers to 'the public' in a formal or legal sense, often used in compounds like 公衆電話 (public phone) or 公衆衛生 (public health).
Give a speech in public.
Means 'society', 'the world', or 'people in general'. Often used when talking about public opinion or what others think.
It's a small world, isn't it? (lit. The world is narrow.)
Means 'the masses' or 'the general public', often with a nuance of the common people as opposed to the elite. Can sound slightly academic or Marxist.
Popular culture spread.
Describing an action done openly, in view of others, or for everyone.
Means 'in front of people' or 'in public'. Used for actions done where others can see.
I get nervous speaking in public.
Means 'openly' or 'publicly', often with a nuance of doing something without hiding it, sometimes defiantly.
He criticized publicly.
Means 'publicly' or 'officially', often used in formal contexts like government announcements.
Referring to the public as a body, often in contexts of civic duty, opinion, or service.
Means 'the people' of a nation, 'citizens'. Used when talking about the public in a national context.
We should listen to the voice of the public.
Means 'citizens' of a city or 'the public' in a municipal context. Also used for 'civilian'.
Means 'the people', 'the masses', often used in historical or political contexts.
一般の人々 is the safest, most neutral term for 'the general public'. 公衆 is more formal and often used in legal or official contexts (e.g., 公衆衛生 public health). 世間 refers to 'society' or 'people in general' and carries a nuance of public opinion or what others think, often used in everyday conversation.
Widely known to the general public.
Prioritize the public interest.
I'm concerned about what people think.
Directly translating 'the public' as ザ・パブリック is not natural Japanese. Use the appropriate term based on context. Also, note that English often uses 'the public' where Japanese might use a more specific word like 国民 (citizens) or 利用者 (users).
The museum is open to the public.
Public opinion is divided.
世論 (よろん/せろん) is the standard term for 'public opinion'.
He doesn't like speaking in public.
That information has not been made public yet.
市民の安全を守る。
Protect the safety of the public.
民衆の力で革命が起きた。
A revolution occurred through the power of the people.