มวลชน
the masses
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- 1 the masses、the general public
This word refers to ordinary people viewed collectively as a broad social group.
the masses、the general public
It describes a large body of ordinary people considered collectively, especially in social, political, or cultural contexts.
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พลังของมวลชน phalaŋ khɔ̌ɔŋ muan chon the power of the people พลังของมวลชน details
Learning notes
Explanation
มวลชน combines มวล, meaning a mass or collective whole, with ชน, meaning people. It therefore presents a large number of people as one collective body. It is more formal than everyday expressions such as “everyone” and is common in discussions of politics, social movements, media, and culture. In some contexts, it portrays the people as a social or political force. The especially important compound สื่อมวลชน means “mass media” or “the press” and can also collectively refer to members of the news media.
Usage
It commonly appears in discussions of political movements, public rallies, social issues, popular support, and the influence of ordinary people. It is also used when discussing art, education, or information reaching a broad public, and it occurs frequently in the compound สื่อมวลชน in news and press-related contexts.
Caution
For a physical crowd gathered in one place, ฝูงชน is usually more natural. มวลชน is also not normally used to address a group as “everyone”; ทุกคน is appropriate in that situation.
Differences from similar words
1 the masses synonyms
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ประชาชน generally means citizens, the public, or the people who make up a society or country. มวลชน presents them more specifically as a collective body or social force.
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ฝูงชน is a physical crowd gathered in one place. มวลชน can refer to a broader section of society whose members are not necessarily gathered together.