Translation and Meaning of: 民主 - minshu

The word 「民主」 (minshu) is a combination of two kanji characters: 「民」 and 「主」. The kanji 「民」 (min) means "people" or "citizens," while 「主」 (shu) means "main" or "master." Together, they form the term "democracy," which can be interpreted as "government of the people" or "popular sovereignty." This composition expresses the essence of the democratic system, in which power resides in the hands of the citizens.

In the etymology of the expression 「民主」, both kanjis have ancient origins in the Chinese language, from where they were imported into Japanese. 「民」 is often associated with concepts of community and citizenship and has the radical 「乙」 that can refer to the idea of being human or an individual. On the other hand, the kanji 「主」 brings the notion of leadership or centrality in a context, represented by its shape that resembles a pillar, a symbol of support and authority. Together, these ideograms form a word that encapsulates the notion of a governmental system that values popular participation.

The concept of 「民主」 fits into a long tradition of political thought that dates back to antiquity but gained particular relevance in Japan during the post-World War II period. During this time, the country underwent a significant political transition that resulted in the implementation of a new constitution in 1947, promoting democratic principles. Within this system, the term became part of everyday vocabulary, reflecting fundamental social and political changes.

The expression 「民主」, in addition to being used to describe systems of government, also appears in broader contexts, such as in 「民主主義」 (minshu shugi), which means "democratic principles" or "democracy" in the broadest sense. This term is used in political debates, civic education, and social movements, illustrating the variety of applications and significance of the concept in contemporary society. The contemporaneity of the term highlights its vital role in the formation of open and participatory social structures.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 自由民主 (Jiyū Minshu) - Liberal democracy
• 民主主義 (Minshu Shugi) - Theory of democracy
• 民主政治 (Minshu Seiji) - Democratic policy

民主

Romaji: minshu
Kana: みんしゅ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: democrat; the head of the nation

Meaning in English: democratic;the head of the nation

Definition: One of the political forms of a nation. A political system in which the ruler is elected by the people and respects the will of the people.

Example Sentences - (民主) minshu

See below some example sentences:

選挙は民主主義の基本です。

Sensen wa minshu shugi no kihon desu

Elections are the foundation of democracy.

Elections are the basics of democracy.

• 選挙 - eleição
• は - Topic particle
• 民主主義 - democracy
• の - Possession particle
• 基本 - foundation, base
• です - verb to be in the polite form

独裁は民主主義の敵です。

Dokusai wa minshu shugi no teki desu

The dictatorship is the enemy of democracy.

Dictators are enemies of democracy.

• 独裁 - ditadura
• は - Topic particle
• 民主主義 - democracy
• の - Possession particle
• 敵 - inimigo
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

民主主義は大切な価値観です。

Minshu shugi wa taisetsu na kachikan desu

Democracia é um valor importante.

A democracia é um valor importante.

• 民主主義 - democracy
• は - Topic particle
• 大切 - important, valuable
• な - adjective particle
• 価値観 - valores
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

アメリカは自由と民主主義の象徴です。

Amelika wa jiyū to minshu shugi no shōchō desu

America is a symbol of freedom and democracy.

The United States is a symbol of freedom and democracy.

• アメリカ - America
• は - Topic particle
• 自由 - freedom
• と - I'm sorry, but I need a text or string to translate from Portuguese to English. Please provide the content you'd like me to work on.
• 民主主義 - democracy
• の - Possession particle
• 象徴 - symbol
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

専制主義は民主主義とは対極にある。

Senshoku shugi wa minshu shugi to wa taikyoku ni aru

Despotism is opposite to democracy.

The tube is the opposite of democracy.

• 専制主義 - political system in which power is exercised in an absolute way by a single person or group
• 民主主義 - political system in which power is exercised by the people, through elections and popular participation
• 対極 - opposite, contrary
• にある - to be in, to be present in

投票は民主主義の基本です。

Touhyou wa minshu shugi no kihon desu

Voting is fundamental to democracy.

Voting is the foundation of democracy.

• 投票 (touhyou) - voto
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 民主主義 (minshu shugi) - democracy
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 基本 (kihon) - Base, foundation
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

私は民主党の支持者です。

Watashi wa Minshutō no shijisha desu

I am a supporter of the Democratic Party.

I am a Democratic defender.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 民主党 (minshutou) - "Democratic Party"
• の (no) - grammatical particle that indicates possession or relationship between two words
• 支持者 (shijisha) - It means "supporter" or "sympathizer" in Japanese.
• です (desu) - verb "to be" in Japanese, used to indicate the existence or identity of something or someone