1.
ladies and gentlemen; everyone; you all
A formal term of address used to speak to a group of people, especially in speeches, addresses, or written appeals. Has a somewhat old-fashioned or authoritative tone.
諸君、聞いてくれ。
Everyone, listen to me.
卒業生諸君の前途を祝う。
I congratulate the graduates on their future prospects.
諸君の健闘を祈る、と校長先生は言った。
"I wish you all the best of luck," said the principal.
USAGE:
A compound of 諸 (various, many) + 君 (you). Used as a formal, somewhat old-fashioned form of address for a group. Often heard in graduation speeches, military addresses, and formal announcements. Can sound authoritative or paternal.
REGISTER:
Formal and somewhat stiff. More commonly used by older speakers or in ceremonial contexts. In casual speech, みんな or 皆さん is preferred.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 皆さん: everyone — the standard polite way to address a group
- みんな: everyone — casual form