Meaning and Usage
"過半数" (かはんすう) means "majority," specifically referring to more than half of a total number. It is commonly used in contexts like voting, decision-making, and statistics where a clear majority is required.
Common Contexts
This word often appears in formal or official settings such as meetings, elections, and surveys. It indicates that more than 50% of participants or votes support a particular option or candidate.
Collocations and Patterns
- 過半数を占める: to constitute a majority; used when describing groups or votes.
- 過半数の支持: majority support; common in political or social contexts.
- 過半数を超える: to exceed the majority; emphasizes surpassing the 50% threshold.
Usage Notes
When using 過半数, the speaker implies a clear majority rather than just a plurality. It is more precise than words like 多数 (many) because it specifically means over half. Learners should avoid confusing 過半数 with 半数 (half), as the latter means exactly 50%, not more.
Formality
This term is formal and often used in written or official spoken Japanese. It is less common in casual conversation unless discussing formal topics like elections or official decisions.