しゅう
Alternative readings: しゅ
JLPT:N1
Frequency:
1

A large number of people; the masses; numerical superiority (often literary or formal).

Noun

Examples

民衆が広場に集まって抗議した。

The people gathered in the square and protested.

選挙では大衆の声が結果を左右することがある。

In elections, the voice of the masses can sometimes determine the outcome.

映画館の聴衆(=観客)は上映中は静かにするべきだ。

The audience in a movie theater should remain quiet during the screening.

2

People; a group or crowd; used in compounds or as a suffix in respectful/familiar expressions (e.g., 聴衆、諸衆).

NounNoun (Suffix)Honorific or Respectful (Sonkeigo) LanguageFamiliar Language

Examples

聴衆は演説を聞き入った。

The audience listened attentively to the speech.

諸衆(しょしゅう)よ、よく聞きたまえ(古風・仏教語的表現)。

People (addressed collectively), listen well (archaic / Buddhist style expression).

大衆文化は若者の関心を集めている。

Mass culture is attracting young people's interest.

Word Relationships

Antonym