平民
へ
い
み
ん
Meanings
1
General term for a person without noble or aristocratic status, used in historical and modern contexts.
He came from a commoner background but worked hard and became a minister.
2
commoner (historical Japanese class)
historical term
Specifically refers to the lowest of the three social classes in Japan between 1869 and 1947, under the 族称 system.
See also: 族称
In the Meiji era, commoners were placed below the peerage and former samurai classes.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉は平民の出身だsomeone is of commoner birth
He was born a commoner but worked hard to become a government official.
- 平民に身分を落とされるto have one's status reduced to commoner
That family committed a crime and were demoted to commoner status.