다수
dasu[ta̠sʰu]
The English word "majority" can be translated into Korean as 다수 (dasu). Wiktionary also lists 과반수 (gwabansu).
Meaning: more than half (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 다수 | dasu | [ta̠sʰu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 과반수 | gwabansu |
The term is used to refer to more than half or a large number of people or things. The antonym of 다수 is 소수, which means "minority".
Which one should you use?
다수 is used to describe a large number of people or things in a general sense. In contrast, 과반수 is a technical term used specifically when the threshold of exceeding fifty percent is the defining factor.
How does it change in a sentence?
다수 is a noun and can be used as a modifier by adding the particle '의', such as in 다수의 사람들 (a majority of people).
How do you pronounce it?
dasu
Did you know?
- The word 소수 (minority) is also the mathematical term for 'prime number' in Korean.
- While 다수 is a Sino-Korean word, the native Korean way to express 'many' often involves the word 많다. Using 다수 in a casual conversation can sound unnaturally formal, like saying 'a multitude' instead of 'a lot' in English.
- In Korean, you can create the phrase 다수결 by adding the character for 'decision'. This is the standard term for 'majority rule' or 'voting by majority', and it is taught to children as a core principle of fairness in school.
Examples in context
- 대부분의 사람들이 동의합니다.The majority of people agree.
- 다수가 찬성합니다.The majority is in favor.
- 다수의 의견을 따랐어요.dasu-ui uigyeoneul ttarrasseoyo.I followed the opinion of the majority.
- 다수의 사람들이 찬성했습니다.dasu-ui saramdeuri chanseong-haesseumnida.A majority of people agreed.
- 그는 다수결로 결정했어요.geuneun dasugyeoll-lo gyeoljeong-haesseoyo.He decided by majority vote.
Example conversation
Jieun and Minjun are discussing the results of a group vote.
- 지은 Ji-eun투표 결과가 나왔어요.tupyo gyeolgwaga nawasseoyo.The voting results are out.
- 민준 Min-jun어느 쪽이 더 많나요?eoneu jjogi deo mannayo?Which side has more?
- 지은 Ji-eun다수가 찬성에 투표했어요.dasuga chanseonge tupyohaessseoyo.The majority voted in favor.
- 민준 Min-jun결국 결정이 됐네요.gyeolguk gyeojeongi dwaessneyo.So a decision has finally been made.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “majority” translations and entries 다수, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
