世論

• Reading: よろん
• Romaji: yoron
• Kanji breakdown: 世 (yo) — world, society, generation; 論 (ron) — discussion, opinion, theory
• Pronunciation: /jo.ɾoɴ/

Meaning

Public opinion; popular sentiment; consensus. The collective views and attitudes of the general public.

A noun referring to the collective opinion of the public on social and political matters. Has two accepted readings: よろん (yoron, more common in speech) and せろん (seron, also widely used). Common collocations include 世論調査 (yoron chousa, public opinion poll), 世論を動かす (yoron wo ugokasu, to sway public opinion), and 世論の支持 (yoron no shiji, public support). A key word in political and media discourse.

Examples

1. 世論調査によると、この政策への賛成は六割を超えた。 According to public opinion polls, more than sixty percent of people support this policy.
2. マスコミの報道が世論に大きな影響を与えている。 Media coverage has a major influence on public opinion.
3. 政治家は世論を無視して政策を進めることはできない。 Politicians cannot push forward policies while ignoring public opinion.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, media, social issues, surveys

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 世 (se/yo, world/society) + 論 (ron, discussion/opinion/theory). Literally 'the discussion of society' — what the public collectively thinks and says about an issue.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal