大多数
daitasū
The English phrase 'majority' is expressed in Japanese using 大多数 (daitasū).
大多数 is used to denote a vast majority or a very large number.
Meaning: more than half (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 大多数 implies a very large number or a vast majority, the term 過半数 is the specific technical term used when you mean a simple majority or more than 50%. Additionally, 大部分 can be used in a formal sense to mean 'most parts' or 'largely'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 大多数 as an adjective to modify a noun, you must add the particle の after it, creating the form 大多数の.
How do you pronounce it?
daitasū
Did you know?
- In Japanese social dynamics, the 'majority' is often expressed through the concept of 空気 or 'air', where one follows the majority's unspoken will to 'read the air'.
- The kanji in 大多数 includes the character for 'many' and 'large', which creates a much stronger visual sense of 'the vast, overwhelming many' than the English 'majority'.
- The term 大部分 is used for the 'majority' of an object or a physical space, whereas 大多数 is reserved for countable individuals or items.
Examples in context
- 大多数の子供はアイスが大好きだ。The vast majority of children love ice cream.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use 大多数 to describe a large group of children.Tatoeba #1747576 by mookeee, translation #1747571 by belgavox
- いつの日か世界人口の大多数がエスペラントを話すようになる、というような話を私は信じない。I don't believe that some day a majority of the world's population will speak Esperanto.This sentence demonstrates using 大多数 when discussing a majority of a population.Tatoeba #882430 by thyc244, translation #644349 by BraveSentry
- 大多数の投票者は、改革に賛成しました。The majority of voters approved the reform.
- 彼は多数派の意見に同意しない。He disagrees with the majority opinion.
- 大部分の国民はこの政策に反対しています。The majority of the citizens are against this policy.
- ほとんどの学生は映画が好きです。Almost all students like movies.
- ほとんどの人はそう思うでしょう。Most people would think so.
- クラスの大多数が賛成している。Kurasu no daitasuu ga sansei shite iru.The majority of the class agrees.
Example conversation
Two classmates are discussing a decision made in their club.
- 美咲 Misaki今回の案、どう思う？Konkai no an, dou omou?What do you think about this proposal?
- 陽太 Yota大多数のメンバーは反対しているよ。Daitasuu no menbaa wa hantai shite iru yo.The majority of the members are against it.
- 美咲 Misakiそうなんだ。残念だね。Sou nanda. Zannen da ne.I see. That's a shame.
- 陽太 Yota美咲、君はどう思う？Misaki, kimi wa dou omou?Misaki, what do you think?
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
