Japanese meaning of 有象無象
Reading:
うぞうむぞう (uzou muzou)
English Translation:
All sorts, good and bad; the masses
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
All sorts of people or things, often with a nuance of “the undistinguished masses.”
様々な人や物。多くは「取るに足らない大勢」という含みを持つ。
Cultural Context:
Found in political speeches, literary works, and journalism to contrast notable individuals with the anonymous crowd.
政治演説、文学作品、ジャーナリズムで、著名人と無名の大衆を対比させる際に用いられる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase for an indistinguishable crowd; often with “が集まる.”
Trap for English Speakers
May be mistaken as inherently derogatory.
Example
Basic Example
有象無象が集まって議論する。
All sorts, good and bad, gather to discuss.
Applied Example
魔王城の前には有象無象の魔物が群がっていた。
In front of the Demon King’s castle swarmed all sorts of monsters, good and bad.