Translation and Meaning of: 庶民 - shomin

The Japanese word 庶民[しょみん] is a fascinating term that carries important cultural and social nuances for those studying the language or interested in Japan. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday life, as well as interesting facts that help understand its context in Japanese society. If you are looking for a reliable dictionary to deepen your knowledge, Suki Nihongo is an excellent reference.

Meaning and Translation of 庶民

庶民[しょみん] can be translated as "common people" or "folk." Unlike terms such as 市民[しみん] (citizen) or 国民[こくみん] (nation), 庶民 has a more colloquial tone and specifically refers to people who do not belong to social, political, or economic elites. It is a word that evokes simplicity and everyday life.

In English, the closest translation would be "common folk" or "ordinary people". However, like many Japanese words, 庶民 carries a cultural connotation that goes beyond its literal definition. It can be used in a neutral manner or with a slight affectionate or humorous tone, depending on the context.

Origin and Historical Use

The origin of 庶民 dates back to the Japanese feudal period, when society was rigidly divided into classes. The kanji 庶 means "common" or "numerous," while 民 means "people." Together, they form a term that has always been associated with the majority of the population, in contrast to samurai, nobles, and other privileged classes.

Over time, the word has maintained its meaning but gained broader uses. Today, it appears in expressions like 庶民的な[しょみんてきな] (something typical of the common people) or 庶民派[しょみんは] (someone who identifies with a simple lifestyle). It is common to see it in discussions about economics, popular culture, and even in animes that depict Japanese daily life.

Cultural and Social Context

In contemporary Japan, 庶民 is often used to describe a modest lifestyle, far from luxury or ostentation. 庶民的な restaurants, for example, are those with affordable prices and traditional dishes, in contrast to gourmet establishments. This word reflects an important cultural value: the appreciation for simplicity and what is authentic.

It's worth noting that, although 庶民 is not offensive, its use can vary depending on the tone. In some contexts, it can sound pejorative if used to belittle someone. On the other hand, many people take pride in identifying as 庶民, especially in contrast to the pressures of urban and corporate life in Japan.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 庶民 (shomin) - Common people, lower class, usually opposed to the aristocracy.
• 一般人 (ippanjin) - Ordinary people, normal individuals without any special distinction.
• 庶人 (shojin) - Individuals of the common class, without high social status.
• 平民 (heimin) - Middle/Lower class people, ordinary citizens in contrast with the nobility.
• 民衆 (minshū) - Mass of the population, often used in a political and social context.
• 庶民階級 (shominkaikyū) - The common class refers specifically to the social class that represents the people.

庶民

Romaji: shomin
Kana: しょみん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: pastas; common people

Meaning in English: masses;common people

Definition: Common people. Low status.

Example Sentences - (庶民) shomin

See below some example sentences:

庶民は社会の中で重要な存在です。

Shomin wa shakai no naka de juuyou na sonzai desu

Ordinary people are an important presence in society.

Ordinary people are important in society.

• 庶民 - It means "common people" or "working class."
• は - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "庶民".
• 社会 - It means "society".
• の - ownership particle, indicates that "社会" is the owner of "庶民".
• 中で - It means "in the middle of" or "inside of".
• 重要な - adjective that means "important".
• 存在 - means "existence" or "presence".
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form.