Translation guide
The state of being greater in number, amount, power, or importance. In Japanese, this concept is often expressed through nouns, adjectives, or verbs depending on whether you are talking about numerical majority, superiority, or influence.
To say that something makes up the largest part of a group or is the most common.
Refers to the great majority or overwhelming number. Often used in formal or written contexts.
参加者の大多数は女性だった。
The great majority of participants were women.
Means 'more than half' or a simple majority. Common in voting, statistics, and everyday contexts.
賛成が過半数を占めた。
The ayes held a majority.
Means 'most' or 'the greater part'. Slightly less formal than 大多数.
仕事の大半は終わった。
Most of the work is done.
Means 'almost all' or 'most'. Very common in spoken Japanese.
観客はほとんど外国人だった。
The audience was mostly foreigners.
To say that one thing is more powerful, influential, or dominant than others.
Means 'superiority' or 'dominance' in strength, numbers, or position. Often used in competitive contexts.
敵軍が優勢だ。
The enemy forces are predominant.
Means 'dominant' or 'ruling'. Used for overwhelming influence or control.
Means 'excellence' or 'preeminence'. Used for outstanding superiority, often in skills or quality. Formal/literary.
To say that something is very common or widespread in a particular area or time.
Means 'spread' or 'popularization'. Used when something becomes common or widely adopted.
スマートフォンの普及は目覚ましい。
The prevalence of smartphones is remarkable.
Means 'widely prevalent' or 'pervasive'. More descriptive and slightly formal.
その習慣は広く行き渡っている。
The custom is widely prevalent.
その国では一党が支配的だ。
One party is predominant in that country.
彼の技術は卓越している。
His skill is preeminent.