Translation guide
Expresses the general population, ordinary people, or the community as a whole. Japanese uses different words depending on whether you mean 'the people' in a civic sense, 'the masses', or 'society at large'. The most common equivalent is 一般の人々, but context matters.
Referring to the general population, not specific individuals or experts.
The most common and neutral way to say 'the general public' or 'ordinary people'. Suitable for most contexts.
この施設は一般の人々に開放されています。
This facility is open to the general public.
Often used as a prefix or in compounds to mean 'general' or 'public'. Can stand alone in some contexts.
一般の方は入れません。
The general public cannot enter.
Refers to 'the public' in a formal or legal sense, often used in compounds like 公衆電話 (public phone) or 公衆衛生 (public health).
公衆の面前で演説する。
Give a speech in public.
Means 'society', 'the world', or 'people in general'. Often used when talking about public opinion or what others think.
世間は狭いですね。
It's a small world, isn't it? (lit. The world is narrow.)
Means 'the masses' or 'the general public', often with a nuance of the common people as opposed to the elite. Can sound slightly academic or Marxist.
大衆文化が広まった。
Popular culture spread.
Describing an action done openly, in view of others, or for everyone.
Means 'in front of people' or 'in public'. Used for actions done where others can see.
人前で話すのは緊張します。
I get nervous speaking in public.
Means 'openly' or 'publicly', often with a nuance of doing something without hiding it, sometimes defiantly.
彼は公然と批判した。
He criticized publicly.
Means 'publicly' or 'officially', often used in formal contexts like government announcements.
その情報はまだ公にされていない。
That information has not been made public yet.
Referring to the public as a body, often in contexts of civic duty, opinion, or service.
Means 'the people' of a nation, 'citizens'. Used when talking about the public in a national context.
国民の声を聞くべきだ。
We should listen to the voice of the public.
Means 'citizens' of a city or 'the public' in a municipal context. Also used for 'civilian'.
Means 'the people', 'the masses', often used in historical or political contexts.
一般の人々 is the safest, most neutral term for 'the general public'. 公衆 is more formal and often used in legal or official contexts (e.g., 公衆衛生 public health). 世間 refers to 'society' or 'people in general' and carries a nuance of public opinion or what others think, often used in everyday conversation.
一般の人々に広く知られている。
Widely known to the general public.
公衆の利益を優先する。
Prioritize the public interest.
世間の目が気になる。
I'm concerned about what people think.
Directly translating 'the public' as ザ・パブリック is not natural Japanese. Use the appropriate term based on context. Also, note that English often uses 'the public' where Japanese might use a more specific word like 国民 (citizens) or 利用者 (users).
その博物館は一般に公開されています。
The museum is open to the public.
彼は人前で話すのが好きではありません。
He doesn't like speaking in public.
I'm concerned about what people think.
Directly translating 'the public' as ザ・パブリック is not natural Japanese. Use the appropriate term based on context. Also, note that English often uses 'the public' where Japanese might use a more specific word like 国民 (citizens) or 利用者 (users).
Protect the safety of the public.
民衆の力で革命が起きた。
A revolution occurred through the power of the people.