Translation guide
The English word "mob" can refer to a large, disorderly crowd, an ordinary person, or organized crime. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To refer to a large group of people, often unruly or threatening.
To refer to an average, undistinguished person, or the masses.
To refer to a criminal organization, especially the Mafia.
Direct loanword for 'Mafia'. Used specifically for Italian or Italian-style organized crime.
English 'mob' often implies violence or disorder. In Japanese, 群衆 is neutral; use 暴徒 for violent mobs. 野次馬 is for curious onlookers, not rioters.
群衆 (crowd, neutral), 暴徒 (rioting mob, violent), 野次馬 (rubberneckers, curious onlookers). Choose based on the nature of the crowd.
General term for a crowd of people, often in a public place. Can imply a large, anonymous gathering.
怒った群衆が通りに集まった。
An angry mob gathered in the street.
Specifically a violent mob or rioting crowd. Stronger than 群衆.
暴徒が店を襲った。
A mob attacked the store.
A crowd of onlookers or rubberneckers, often at an accident or incident. Implies curiosity rather than violence.
事故現場に野次馬が集まった。
A mob of onlookers gathered at the accident scene.
Literally 'a large number of people'. A neutral, common way to describe a big crowd without negative connotation.
大勢の人が広場にいた。
There was a mob of people in the square.
An ordinary person, a mediocrity. Often used in contrast to genius or talent.
彼はただの凡人だ。
He's just a common mob.
The masses, the general public. Can be neutral or slightly derogatory depending on context.
大衆はすぐに流行に飛びつく。
The mob quickly jumps on trends.
Common people, the populace. Often used in historical or class contexts.
庶民の生活は厳しかった。
Life for the common mob was harsh.
彼はマフィアの一員だ。
He's a member of the mob.
General term for organized crime groups, especially yakuza. Can be used for any violent criminal organization.
暴力団がその地域を支配している。
The mob controls that area.
Loanword for 'gang'. Often used for street gangs or criminal groups, but can overlap with 'mob'.
ギャングの抗争が激化した。
The mob war intensified.