duōshù: 多数 - Majority, Most

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• Summary: Learn how to use “多数” (duōshù), the essential Chinese word for “majority” or “most.” This page breaks down its meaning, cultural context, and practical use in formal settings like voting and reports. Discover the key difference between 多数 (duōshù) and its common counterpart 大部分 (dàbùfen) to speak more accurate and natural Chinese.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): duōshù
• Part of Speech: Noun, Adjective
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: The greater number or part of a whole; a majority.
• In a Nutshell: “多数” (duōshù) is your go-to word when you want to talk about a “majority” in a countable sense, like “the majority of students” or “the majority of votes.” It feels more precise and slightly more formal than other ways of saying “most.” Think of it as a word you'd see in a news report, a formal discussion, or when stating a factual outcome based on numbers.

• 多 (duō): This character means “many,” “much,” or “more.” It's a pictograph of two 夕 (xī - “evening”) stacked on top of each other, suggesting the passing of many evenings, and therefore, a large quantity or a long time.
• 数 (shù): This character means “number,” “figure,” or “to count.”
• When combined, 多数 (duōshù) literally means “many number,” which logically points to the concept of “the greater number” or “the majority” within a group.

While “majority” is a universal concept, its implications can feel stronger in Chinese culture, which often emphasizes group harmony and collective decision-making. The concept of “多数” is not just a mathematical reality but often a social one. In Western cultures, particularly American culture, individualism is highly valued. While “majority rule” is a core tenet of democracy, there's also a strong emphasis on protecting minority rights and celebrating individual dissent. In China, the decision of the 多数 often carries a heavier weight, seen as the most stable and harmonious path forward. The idea of “服从多数” (fúcóng duōshù) - “obey the majority” - is a common principle in meetings, organizations, and even social groups. This isn't necessarily about suppressing dissent, but rather about prioritizing the collective good and moving forward with a unified consensus once a decision is made. The opinion of the 多数 is often seen as the most legitimate and correct path.

“多数” is a versatile word, but its usage leans towards more formal and specific contexts.

• In Politics and Formal Votes: This is the most common and direct usage. You will hear it constantly in news reports about elections, parliamentary votes, or company board meetings.
  • e.g., The bill was passed by a clear majority.
• In Surveys and Statistics: When reporting data, 多数 is used to describe the largest segment of a surveyed population.
  • e.g., The majority of respondents agreed with the new policy.
• Generalizing about People: You can use it to mean “most people,” but it carries a slightly more formal or definitive tone than the more common 大部分 (dàbùfen). Saying “多数人” (duōshù rén) sounds like you are stating a well-observed fact, almost like a mini-survey in your head.

The word itself is neutral, but its context can imply finality. When a decision is made by the 多数, the debate is often considered over.

• Example 1:
  • 多数学生选择在校外租房。
  • Pinyin: Duōshù xuéshēng xuǎnzé zài xiàowài zūfáng.
  • English: The majority of students choose to rent housing off-campus.
  • Analysis: Here, 多数 refers to a countable group (students). This sounds like a statement from a university report or a factual observation.
• Example 2:
  • 在我们公司，重要决定需要经过多数投票通过。
  • Pinyin: Zài wǒmen gōngsī, zhòngyào juédìng xūyào jīngguò duōshù tóupiào tōngguò.
  • English: In our company, important decisions must be passed by a majority vote.
  • Analysis: This is a classic, formal use of 多数 in a business or procedural context.
• Example 3:
  • 虽然有些人反对，但多数人还是支持这个计划的。
  • Pinyin: Suīrán yǒuxiē rén fǎnduì, dàn duōshù rén háishì zhīchí zhège jìhuà de.
  • English: Although some people object, the majority still supports this plan.
  • Analysis: This sentence structure directly contrasts the minority (“some people”) with the 多数 (majority), highlighting its use in expressing popular opinion.
• Example 4:
  • 报告显示，多数用户对新功能感到满意。
  • Pinyin: Bàogào xiǎnshì, duōshù yònghù duì xīn gōngnéng gǎndào mǎnyì.
  • English: The report shows that the majority of users are satisfied with the new feature.
  • Analysis: A perfect example of 多数 used in a formal, data-driven context like a report or survey results.
• Example 5:
  • 这项政策获得了议会的多数支持。
  • Pinyin: Zhè xiàng zhèngcè huòdéle yìhuì de duōshù zhīchí.
  • English: This policy received majority support from the parliament.
  • Analysis: Here, 多数 functions as an adjective modifying “support” (支持). It specifies the type of support received.
• Example 6:
  • 多数情况下，我们应该先听取大家的意见。
  • Pinyin: Duōshù qíngkuàng xià, wǒmen yīnggāi xiān tīngqǔ dàjiā de yìjiàn.
  • English: In most cases, we should first listen to everyone's opinion.
  • Analysis: This shows 多数 used with “情况” (qíngkuàng - situation) to mean “in most cases,” a common and slightly formal set phrase.
• Example 7:
  • 球队的多数成员都来自同一个城市。
  • Pinyin: Qiúduì de duōshù chéngyuán dōu láizì tóng yīgè chéngshì.
  • English: The majority of the team's members are from the same city.
  • Analysis: Again, used for a specific, countable group (team members).
• Example 8:
  • 这个问题很复杂，在专家中也未能形成多数意见。
  • Pinyin: Zhè ge wèntí hěn fùzá, zài zhuānjiā zhōng yě wèinéng xíngchéng duōshù yìjiàn.
  • English: This issue is very complex, and a majority opinion has not been formed among the experts.
  • Analysis: This example shows the lack of a majority, emphasizing its importance in reaching a consensus.
• Example 9:
  • 他总是站在多数一边，很少表达自己的独特看法。
  • Pinyin: Tā zǒngshì zhàn zài duōshù yībiān, hěn shǎo biǎodá zìjǐ de dútè kànfǎ.
  • English: He always stands on the side of the majority and rarely expresses his own unique views.
  • Analysis: This sentence has a slightly critical connotation, using 多数 to describe a social behavior (conformity).
• Example 10:
  • 选举结果表明，执政党赢得了多数席位。
  • Pinyin: Xuǎnjǔ jiéguǒ biǎomíng, zhízhèngdǎng yíngdéle duōshù xíwèi.
  • English: The election results show that the ruling party has won a majority of seats.
  • Analysis: A standard and essential phrase for anyone discussing politics or elections in Chinese.

The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 多数 (duōshù) and 大部分 (dàbùfen). They both can be translated as “most” or “majority,” but they are not always interchangeable. Rule of Thumb:

• 多数 (duōshù): Use for countable nouns (people, votes, items, students). It feels more precise, formal, and statistical. It emphasizes “the greater number.”
• 大部分 (dàbùfen): Use for both countable AND uncountable nouns (time, money, work, water). It's more common in casual, everyday conversation. It emphasizes “the greater part.”

Examples of the Difference:

• Countable Nouns (People):
  • Correct: 多数人都同意。 (Duōshù rén dōu tóngyì.) - The majority of people agree. (Sounds more formal/factual).
  • Correct: 大部分人都同意。 (Dàbùfen rén dōu tóngyì.) - Most people agree. (More common and casual).
  • Nuance: Both are correct, but 多数 is better for a formal report, while 大部分 is better for a chat with a friend.
• Uncountable Nouns (Time):
  • Incorrect: 我花了多数时间来学习。
  • Correct: 我花了大部分时间来学习。 (Wǒ huāle dàbùfen shíjiān lái xuéxí.) - I spent most of the time studying.
  • Why? “Time” (时间) is uncountable. You can't have a “number” of time, but you can have a “large part” of it.

Common Mistake: Using 多数 for abstract or uncountable concepts. Avoid saying `多数钱` (majority of money) or `多数工作` (majority of work). Always use 大部分 in these cases.

• 大部分 (dàbùfen) - The most common synonym for “most,” used more casually and with uncountable nouns.
• 少数 (shǎoshù) - The direct antonym of 多数, meaning “minority” or “a small number.”
• 绝大多数 (jué dàduōshù) - A stronger version, meaning “the overwhelming majority” or “the vast majority.” It's an emphatic way to say almost everyone.
• 半数 (bànshù) - Exactly “half the number,” often used in contexts of voting or statistics, e.g., “超过半数” (exceed half / a simple majority).
• 许多 (xǔduō) - Means “many” or “a lot of.” It indicates a large quantity but doesn't imply it's a majority of a whole.
• 全体 (quántǐ) - Meaning “all” or “the entire body of.” This is the next step up from 绝大多数.
• 群众 (qúnzhòng) - “The masses” or “the general public.” The opinions of the 群众 often form the 多数.
• 集体 (jítǐ) - “Collective” or “group.” The concept of 多数 is fundamental to the decision-making of a 集体.