1.
public will; popular opinion; the will of the people
The collective opinion or desire of the general public, especially in political contexts.
民意を反映させる。
To reflect the will of the people.
選挙は民意を示す大切な機会だ。
Elections are an important opportunity to show the will of the people.
政府は民意を無視してはならないと、野党が強く批判した。
The opposition strongly criticized the government, saying it must not ignore the will of the people.
A formal term used primarily in political and journalistic contexts. Composed of 民 (people) + 意 (will, intention).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 民意を反映する (reflect public opinion)
- 民意を問う (ask the public; put to public judgment)
- 民意を無視する (ignore the will of the people)
- 民意に沿う (align with public opinion)
- 民意を汲み取る (gauge public sentiment)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 世論 — public opinion (broader, includes surveys and polls)
- 国民の声 — the voice of the people (more informal expression)
- 民の心 — the heart of the people (literary/classical)