下賎な
gesen na
The English phrase 'plebeian' can be translated into Japanese as 下賎な (gesen na). Wiktionary also lists 平民の (heimin no) and 庶民の (shomin no).
Meaning: of or pertaining to the common people (adj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 下賎な | gesen na |
| 平民の | heimin no |
| 庶民の | shomin no |
The term 'plebeian' can refer to being of or pertaining to the common people. As a noun, the word 庶民 (shomin) is frequently used to refer to the general public or the masses.
Which one should you use?
While 'plebeian' can be a neutral descriptor in English, 下賎な is a highly derogatory term meaning lowly, base or vulgar. In contrast, 庶民の is the most natural way to describe 'common people' in a neutral or even slightly positive, down-to-earth sense. 平民の is a more formal or historical term used to distinguish commoners from nobility or the ruling class. The nouns used to refer to one of the common people of ancient Rome include 平民, 庶民 and 下下.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
gesen na
Did you know?
- In Japanese media, the term 庶民派 (shomin-ha) is often used as a compliment to describe a celebrity who is perceived as 'down-to-earth' or 'relatable' despite their fame.
- During the Meiji era, the government officially abolished the four-tier class system, making 平民 (heimin) a legal status for millions who were no longer bound by the restrictions of the samurai or peasant classes.
- In modern Japanese pop culture, the term 庶民 (shomin) is frequently used by wealthy or royal characters in anime and manga to describe a 'commoner' lifestyle they find fascinating or exotic.
Examples in context
- 彼は平民出身です。He comes from a plebeian background.
Example conversation
Two characters are roleplaying as nobility in a play.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣、下賎な振る舞いはやめなさい。Yui, gesen na furumai wa yamenasai.Yui, stop behaving in such a plebeian manner.
- 結衣 Yui大翔こそ、言葉遣いが下品よ。Hiroto koso, kotobazukai ga geku yo.You're the one with the vulgar language, Hiroto.
- 大翔 Hiroto私は高貴な身分なのだから。watashi wa kouki na mibun na no dakara.Because I am of noble birth.
- 結衣 Yuiふふっ、演技に熱が入りすぎよ。fufu, engi ni netsu ga hairisugi yo.Hehe, you're getting too into the acting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “plebeian” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
