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日本語
少数派 — meaning in English: minority
shōsuhā · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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minority
命令
meirei
少数派
shōsuhā
被告
hikoku
手
te
バイブル
baiburu
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neutral
common
Usage
The word 少数派 (shōsuhā) is often used in discussions about social issues, politics, or demographics, particularly when referring to groups that are underrepresented or have different opinions from the majority. For example, in a conversation about voting behavior, you might hear someone say that a particular group belongs to the 少数派, highlighting their unique perspective.
Synonyms & nuances
While 少数派 (shōsuhā) specifically refers to a minority group with a focus on their smaller numbers, the term マイノリティ (mainoriti) is a loanword from English that can also refer to minorities but may lack the deeper cultural context embedded in 少数派 (shōsuhā). You would choose 少数派 when discussing cultural or societal aspects, while マイノリティ may be used in more general or casual contexts.
Culture
The term 少数派 (shōsuhā) carries significant cultural weight in Japan, particularly in discussions surrounding minority rights and representation. Historically, Japan has seen various groups identified as minorities, including the Ainu people and the Burakumin, which adds layers of meaning to the word.
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