民衆

• Reading: みんしゅう
• Romaji: minshu
• Kanji breakdown: 民 (min) — people, populace | 衆 (shū) — multitude, crowd
• Pronunciation: /min.ɕɯ.ɯ/

Meaning

The people; the masses; the general public as a collective social force.

More politically charged than 人々 or 国民, 民衆 emphasises the common people as a distinct social group, often in contrast to those in power (rulers, elites, institutions). It carries a subtle connotation of collective agency — the power of ordinary people to drive social change. Frequently used in historical discourse (民衆運動, popular movements) and political rhetoric. In art and literature it echoes the democratic and humanist traditions.

Examples

1. 革命は一部の指導者ではなく、立ち上がった民衆の力によって成し遂げられた。 The revolution was accomplished not by a handful of leaders but by the power of the people who rose up.
2. 権力者が民衆の声に耳を傾けなければ、いずれ社会は不安定になる。 If those in power do not listen to the voice of the people, society will eventually become unstable.
3. 民衆の間に広まった噂が、政府への不信感をさらに高めた。 Rumours that spread among the people further deepened mistrust of the government.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, history, social movements, journalism

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 民 (min) meaning 'people, populace' and 衆 (shū) meaning 'multitude, crowd'. The combination stresses the collective plurality of ordinary people, paralleling terms like 大衆 (the general masses) but with a more politically aware nuance.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji–Present

Generation: Educated adults

Social background: Universal