民意

• Reading: みんい
• Romaji: min'i
• Kanji breakdown: 民 (min/tami) — people, citizens; 意 (i) — will, intention, meaning
• Pronunciation: /miɴ.i/

Meaning

Will of the people; public opinion; popular will. The collective wishes, preferences, and judgements of the general population as expressed through elections, polls, or public discourse.

A key concept in democratic theory, often invoked to legitimise or challenge political decisions. Common phrases include 民意を反映する (to reflect the will of the people) and 民意を問う (to put something to the people / to seek a public mandate). Politicians frequently claim to represent 民意, making it a contested and strategically deployed term in political debate.

Examples

1. 総選挙の結果は明確な民意を示しており、政権交代への強い期待が読み取れる。 The results of the general election clearly reflected the will of the people, showing a strong desire for a change in government.
2. 首相は解散総選挙によって民意を問う意向を示した。 The prime minister indicated his intention to call a snap election to seek a mandate from the people.
3. 政策が民意を反映していないと感じた市民たちは、街頭でのデモ活動に踏み切った。 Citizens who felt that government policies did not reflect the will of the people took to the streets in protest.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, elections, democracy, journalism, public discourse

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Formed from 民 (min, people/citizens) and 意 (i, will/intention/meaning). A modern Sino-Japanese political term that parallels the concept of volonté générale (general will) in Western political philosophy. Became common in Meiji-era constitutional debates.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji–Contemporary

Generation: All ages

Social background: General