民間
Meanings
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
private; non-governmental; civilian
Used to describe organizations, sectors, activities, or people that are not part of the government or public sector. Common in phrases like 民間企業 (private company) and 民間人 (civilian).
He got a job at a private company.
This survey was conducted by a private research institution.
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
Refers to traditions, beliefs, or customs that originate among ordinary people rather than from official or elite sources. Often used in compounds like 民間信仰 (folk belief) and 民間療法 (folk remedy).
Old folk beliefs remain in this region.
Many people try folk remedies for colds.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉を民間に委託するto outsource (a task/project) to the private sector
The city outsourced garbage collection to a private company.
- 〈事〉が民間に伝わる(a custom or belief) to be passed down among ordinary people
This remedy has been passed down among ordinary people since ancient times.
- 民間から〈人〉を採用するto hire someone from the private sector
This ministry hires experts from the private sector.
- 民間で〈事〉が広まる(a belief or custom) to spread among the common people
That superstition is widely spread among ordinary people.