Translation and Meaning of: 多数決 - tasuuketsu

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about Japanese culture, you may have come across the word 多数決[たすうけつ]. It appears in discussions about politics, work meetings, and even in everyday situations, but what exactly does it mean? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of this expression, as well as understand how it fits into the Japanese social context. If you want to learn how to use 多数決 correctly or discover interesting facts about its application, keep reading!

The term 多数決[たすうけつ] means "majority vote" in English.

The word 多数決 is composed of three kanji: 多 (many/numerous), 数 (number/count), and 決 (decision/resolution). Together, they form the term that means "majority decision" or, in English, "majority vote." This expression is used when a choice is made based on the opinion of the majority of a group, whether in elections, meetings, or even in small decisions among friends.

In Japan, the concept of 多数決 is deeply connected to the notion of consensus and social harmony. Although the country values collective opinion, the application of this rule is not always as simple as it seems. Often, decisions are made after long discussions to avoid conflicts, even when the majority has already taken a defined position.

How and when to use 多数決 in daily life?

In the Japanese corporate environment, 選挙 (多数決) is often used in meetings to approve projects or define strategies. Traditional companies may prefer to seek unanimity, but in more formal or urgent situations, majority voting turns out to be the most practical method.

Outside of work, you might hear this word in contexts like choosing a restaurant in a group or deciding on a travel destination among family members. A common phrase is 「多数決で決めよう」("Let's decide by majority vote"), showing how the term is present even in informal conversations.

The cultural importance of 多数決 in Japan

Although Japan is known for its collectivist culture, the use of 多数決 is not always seen as the ideal solution. In many situations, consensus is prioritized to maintain group harmony, avoiding feelings of exclusion among minorities. This reflects values such as "wa" (和), which emphasizes peace and cooperation.

Interestingly, in school environments, 多数決 is often used to make democratic decisions among students, such as the selection of class representatives. This method helps to introduce notions of democracy from an early age, but always with care to avoid creating divisions.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 投票 (Tōhyō) - vote
• 投票による決定 (Tōhyō ni yoru kettei) - Decision by voting
• 多数意見による決定 (Tasu iken ni yoru kettei) - Decision based on the opinion of the majority

多数決

Romaji: tasuuketsu
Kana: たすうけつ
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: majority rule

Meaning in English: majority rule

Definition: Adopt the largest number of opinions or options among multiple opinions or options.

Example Sentences - (多数決) tasuuketsu

See below some example sentences:

多数決で決めましょう。

Tasūketsu de kimemashou

We will decide by majority vote.

We will decide by majority vote.

• 多数決 - which means "majority decision" in Japanese, is a decision-making method in which the option chosen is the one that receives the most votes.
• で - is a Japanese particle that indicates the means or method used to do something.
• 決めましょう - is a Japanese expression meaning "let's decide". It's made up of the verb 決める (decide) and the suggestion particle ましょう (let's).