Meaning
While the character 人 refers to a single human being, 民 represents the collective populace or citizens of a state. In modern Japanese, you will encounter this kanji most often when distinguishing between the government sector and the private sector. It serves as the foundation for words describing democracy, civil rights, and national identity.
The origins of 民 are surprisingly dark. It began as an ideograph of an eye being pierced by a needle. In ancient times, this represented a slave who was blinded to prevent escape, effectively turning them into a 'subject' or 'servant.' Over time, the meaning shifted from 'slaves' to 'subjects of the crown.' Today, it has evolved into the modern concept of 'the general public' within a democratic framework.
Categorized under the radical 氏 (family name), this 5-stroke kanji is taught in the 4th grade. It is a cornerstone of the JLPT N4 level. Mastering it is necessary for anyone reading Japanese news or social commentary.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
ミン is the standard reading for almost every compound word. Since this kanji deals with social and political structures, you will find this reading in vocabulary related to demographics and law. It is remarkably consistent, so learners rarely have to worry about phonetic variations.
国民 (kokumin) — national, citizen, people of a country
民主主義 (minshushugi) — democracy
市民 (shimin) — citizen, townspeople
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The native reading たみ feels poetic or historical to modern ears. You likely won't hear it in daily conversation at a coffee shop. Instead, you will find it in historical dramas (jidaigeki), folklore, or literature when referring to 'the masses' in a soulful way.
民 (tami) — the people, subjects
下々の民 (shimojimi no tami) — the common people, the low-born masses
Common Words & Compounds
Understanding 民 is easier when you group its compounds into logical themes like politics and daily life.
Political and Social Status
民主主義 (minshushugi): Democracy. Literally 'people-main-principle,' this is a key term in Japanese civics.
住民 (juumin): Residents. Use this when discussing people living in a specific apartment complex or neighborhood.
国民 (kokumin): The people of a nation. For example, 'the Japanese people' is 日本国民.
Public vs. Private Sector
民間 (minkan): Private or non-governmental. This describes businesses or research not funded by the state.
民営 (min'ei): Private management. You will see this word in news reports about the privatization of railways or postal services.
Culture and Daily Life
民話 (minwa): Folklore. These are the traditional stories passed down through generations of common folk.
民族 (minzoku): Ethnic group. This refers to cultural identity and shared ancestry.
民宿 (minshuku): A family-run guest house. These offer a more personal experience than a standard hotel.
難民 (nanmin): Refugee. Literally 'distressed people,' used for those fleeing conflict or natural disasters.
Example Sentences
日本は民主主義の国です。
Nihon wa minshushugi no kuni desu.
Japan is a democratic nation.
市の図書館は市民ならだれでも利用できます。
Shi no toshokan wa shimin nara daredemo riyou dekimasu.
The city library is open to all citizens.
多くの国民がその新しい法律に反対しています。
Ooku no kokumin ga sono atarashii houritsu ni hantai shiteimasu.
A large portion of the public opposes that new law.
祖母から日本の古い民話を聞きました。
Sobo kara nihon no furui minwa wo kikimashita.
My grandmother told me an old Japanese folk tale.
民間の会社で働いています。
Minkan no kaisha de hataraite imasu.
I work for a private-sector company.
この地域の住民はとても親切です。
Kono chiiki no juumin wa totemo shinsetsu desu.
The residents in this area are very kind.
夏休みに京都の民宿に泊まりました。
Natsuyasumi ni kyouto no minshuku ni tomarimashita.
I stayed at a family-run guest house in Kyoto over summer break.
彼は難民を助けるための活動をしています。
Kare wa nanmin wo tasukeru tame no katsudou wo shiteimasu.
He is active in providing aid to refugees.
Related Kanji
- 族 — Tribe, Clan, Family Group (Kanji N4)
- 界 — World, Boundary, Circle (Kanji N4)
- 弟 — Younger Brother, Junior (Kanji N4)
- 黒 — Black, Dark (Kanji N4)
- 洗 — Wash (Kanji N4)
- 短 — Short, brief, defect (Kanji N4)
Memory Tip
To remember 民, use the traditional mnemonic of a needle piercing an eye (the boxed area with the horizontal line). This represents the 'masses' who were once held down but eventually became the foundation of the state. If that is too grim, look at the radical 氏 (family/clan). Think of it this way: 'A collection of many families (氏) makes up the people (民).'