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How to Say "the masses" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “the masses” is “masa” — use 'masa' when referring to the general public or a large, undifferentiated group of people, often in the context of media influence or public opinion..

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masa

MAH-sah/ˈma.sa/

nounB2general
Use 'masa' when referring to the general public or a large, undifferentiated group of people, often in the context of media influence or public opinion.
A vast, tightly packed crowd composed of countless tiny, colorful, simplified human figures stretching into the background.

Examples

La televisión tiene una gran influencia sobre la masa.

Television has a great influence over the masses (the public).

Se formó una masa de manifestantes frente al edificio del gobierno.

A crowd of protestors formed in front of the government building.

Singular Noun, Plural Idea

When 'masa' means 'the masses' or 'the public,' it is treated as a singular noun, even though it refers to many people. Use singular verbs: 'La masa piensa...' (The masses think...).

común

nounC1general
Use 'común' (specifically 'el común de los mortales') to refer to ordinary or common people in contrast to a select or elite group.

Examples

Esto es desconocido para el común de los mortales.

This is unknown to the average person (or common people).

Masa vs. Común

Learners often confuse 'masa' and 'común'. Remember that 'masa' refers to the broad public, while 'común' (especially in 'el común de los mortales') points to the average, everyday person, often in a slightly more literary or contrasting sense.

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