How to say "folk" in Japanese

• 民たみCommon
  nounCovers 'folk' in the sense of the people as a whole — the citizens or subjects of a state or ruler. Choose it when you mean the populace itself.
• 民間みんかんJLPT N2approx.Common
  no-adjectiveCovers 'folk' in the sense 'popular': something of the common people or the general public rather than of official or governmental circles.
• 衆しゅうJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, noun (suffix)Covers 'folk' as a bunch or group of people, with 'clique' and 'bunch' among its senses. Its tone is respectful (sonkeigo) yet familiar, suiting a group you regard with both deference and ease.

Use 民 for 'folk' as a country's people, citizens or subjects; 民間 for 'folk' meaning popular or of the general public; 衆 for a bunch of people, with a respectful yet familiar tone.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 民たみpeople
• フォークfolk (esp. music)
• 民間みんかんfolk
• 衆しゅうpeople