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B2 noun #4,000 am häufigsten 8 Min. Lesezeit

資本主義

shihon shugi Top 4,000

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Erklärung 資本主義 in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'Shihon-shugi' (資本主義) is a very advanced word that you likely won't need for daily survival. However, you can think of it simply as 'the way the world does business.' It is a noun that represents a big idea. You can recognize it because it ends in 'shugi,' which is like the English '-ism.' Even as a beginner, knowing that Japan and the USA are 'shihon-shugi' countries helps you understand news headlines. Just remember: 'Shihon' means money/capital, and 'shugi' means principle. It is the principle of using money to make more money. You don't need to use it in sentences yet, but try to recognize the kanji for 'book' (本) at the end of the first part!

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At the A2 level, you might see 'Shihon-shugi' in simple articles about history or the world. You should understand that it is a noun meaning 'Capitalism.' You can use it in basic 'A is B' sentences, such as 'Japan is a capitalist country' (日本は資本主義の国です). You might also hear it when people talk about rich people or big companies. It's important to differentiate it from 'Democracy' (Minshushugi), which beginners often mix up. Think of 'Shihon-shugi' as being about money and markets, while 'Minshushugi' is about voting and people. Learning this word now prepares you for more complex social topics later on.

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At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'Shihon-shugi' in discussions about society and the economy. You can start using it with particles like 'を' (wo) and 'に' (ni). For example, '資本主義について話す' (to talk about capitalism). You will encounter it in intermediate reading materials, especially those covering the Meiji era or modern global news. You should also recognize the related word '資本家' (Shihonka), which means a capitalist (person). Understanding the nuance that 'shugi' makes it an ideology or a system is key. You might also start to see it in compound words like '資本主義社会' (capitalist society).

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At the B2 level, 'Shihon-shugi' is a required vocabulary item. You are expected to use it fluently in academic and professional contexts. You should understand phrases like '修正資本主義' (modified capitalism) or '資本主義の矛盾' (the contradictions of capitalism). At this level, you can use it to explain complex ideas, such as how capitalism affects the environment or social hierarchy. You should be comfortable with the pitch accent (flat) and be able to write all four kanji correctly. You will often see this word in the Nikkei newspaper or in university-level textbooks. It is a core term for discussing 'Keizai' (economy).

At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the historical and philosophical baggage of 'Shihon-shugi' in Japan. This includes knowing about the 'Japanese-style capitalism' (日本型資本主義) of the post-war era and how it differs from Anglo-American models. You should be able to critique the system using advanced grammar like '〜を禁じ得ない' or '〜に端を発する.' You will use this word in high-level debates about neoliberalism (新自由主義) and its impact on the Japanese 'Gakusa' (wealth gap). You should also be familiar with academic terms like '資本の蓄積' (accumulation of capital) and '生産手段' (means of production).

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At the C2 level, 'Shihon-shugi' is a word you manipulate with precision and rhetorical flair. You can discuss the nuances between 'Stakeholder Capitalism' and 'Shareholder Capitalism' in Japanese. You understand the subtle shift in meaning when the word is used in different political registers—from the dry technicality of an economic report to the charged rhetoric of a political manifesto. You can read original texts by Japanese economists and philosophers who analyze the 'post-capitalist' (ポスト資本主義) future. Your usage should be indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, incorporating it into complex, multi-clause arguments about the global order.

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資本主義 in 30 Sekunden

A noun meaning 'Capitalism', representing an economic system of private ownership and profit.
Used in formal, academic, and media contexts to discuss economy and society.
Contrasted with socialism and communism; often paired with 'shakai' (society).
Essential for B2+ level Japanese learners to understand modern discourse.

The term 資本主義 (Shihon-shugi) is the Japanese equivalent of 'Capitalism.' To understand this word, we must break down its constituent kanji, as they provide a literal roadmap to the concept. The first part, 資本 (Shihon), means 'capital' or 'funds.' The kanji 資 refers to resources or assets, while 本 means origin or base. Together, they represent the 'base resources' needed to start a venture. The second part, 主義 (Shugi), is the standard suffix for '-ism' or a principle/doctrine. Therefore, Shihon-shugi is the 'principle of capital.'

Economic Context: It refers to an economic system where private individuals or businesses own capital goods. The production of goods and services is based on supply and demand in the general market—known as a market economy—rather than through central planning. In Japan, this word is foundational for discussing modern history, starting from the Meiji Restoration when the country rapidly shifted from a feudal system to a Western-style capitalist model.

現代の日本は資本主義の国です。 (Modern Japan is a capitalist country.)

Sociopolitical Nuance: While the word is technical, it frequently appears in news broadcasts (ニュース), editorials (社説), and political debates. It is often contrasted with 社会主義 (Shakaishugi - Socialism) or 共産主義 (Kyousanshugi - Communism). In academic circles, you might hear about 'Late-stage Capitalism' (晩期資本主義) or 'Neoliberalism' (新自由主義), which are subsets of this broader term.

In daily life, a Japanese person might not use 'Shihon-shugi' while buying groceries, but they will certainly encounter it when discussing the economy (経済), wealth inequality (格差), or the merits of the free market (自由市場). It is a 'high-frequency' academic word (CEFR B2+), meaning it is essential for anyone wishing to read Japanese newspapers or engage in intellectual discourse. Historically, the 'Father of Japanese Capitalism' is considered to be Shibusawa Eiichi, whose face appears on the 10,000 yen note, highlighting how deeply integrated this concept is in Japanese national identity.

資本主義の弊害について議論する。 (Discussing the harmful effects of capitalism.)

Global Perspective: In a globalized world, Japanese speakers use this term to describe the international economic order. Phrases like 'Global Capitalism' (グローバル資本主義) are common in business contexts to describe the interconnectedness of trade and investment across borders.

彼は資本主義の原理を信じている。 (He believes in the principles of capitalism.)

デジタル資本主義が加速している。 (Digital capitalism is accelerating.)

国家資本主義というモデルもある。 (There is also a model called state capitalism.)

Using 資本主義 correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a complex noun. It typically functions as the subject of a sentence, the object of a verb, or a modifier for another noun. Because it represents a broad ideology, it is often paired with verbs like 発展する (hatten suru - to develop), 崩壊する (houkai suru - to collapse), or 批判する (hihan suru - to criticize).

As a Subject: When 'Shihon-shugi' is the subject, it is usually followed by particles like 'は' (wa) or 'が' (ga). For example: '資本主義は競争に基づいている' (Capitalism is based on competition). Here, the focus is on the nature or behavior of the system itself.

資本主義が世界中に広まった。 (Capitalism spread throughout the world.)

As a Modifier: To describe a society or an economy as capitalist, you simply place '資本主義' before the noun. Frequently, the particle 'の' (no) is used, but in many compound terms, it is omitted. Examples include '資本主義社会' (Capitalist society) and '資本主義経済' (Capitalist economy).

資本主義の仕組みを理解するのは難しい。 (Understanding the mechanism of capitalism is difficult.)

In formal writing (論文 - ronbun), you will see '資本主義' paired with 'における' (ni okeru), which means 'in' or 'at.' For example, '資本主義における労働' (Labor in capitalism). This is a very common B2/C1 level structure that allows for precise academic descriptions. Additionally, when discussing the transition between systems, the particle 'から' (kara - from) and 'へ' (he - to) are used: '封建社会から資本主義への移行' (The transition from feudal society to capitalism).

自由な資本主義市場が形成された。 (A free capitalist market was formed.)

Common Verb Pairings: 1. 資本主義を**維持する** (To maintain capitalism). 2. 資本主義を**打破する** (To overthrow capitalism - revolutionary context). 3. 資本主義に**適応する** (To adapt to capitalism).

この本は資本主義の歴史を解説している。 (This book explains the history of capitalism.)

修正資本主義という考え方が生まれた。 (The idea of modified capitalism was born.)

You are unlikely to hear 資本主義 in a casual conversation at a café unless the speakers are students of sociology, economics, or politics. However, it is an 'omnipresent' word in the Japanese media landscape. If you turn on NHK News or read the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei), you will encounter it daily.

News and Media: In news reports, journalists use the term to discuss global market trends or government policies. For instance, when the Prime Minister discusses 'New Capitalism' (新しい資本主義), a term championed by Fumio Kishida, it becomes a buzzword in every household for a few months. It's used to describe economic strategies aimed at growth and distribution.

政府は「新しい資本主義」の実現を目指している。 (The government aims to realize 'New Capitalism.')

Education and Documentaries: In Japanese schools, the history of the industrial revolution and the subsequent rise of capital-driven economies is taught using this word. Documentaries on the 'Lost Decades' of the Japanese economy often analyze the limits of the current capitalist framework within the country.

Another place you'll find this word is in business literature (ビジネス書). Books that discuss wealth building, investment, and market psychology often frame their advice within the 'rules of capitalism' (資本主義のルール). It is also a common theme in 'Dystopian' or 'Social Commentary' anime and manga. Works like 'Kaiji' or 'Money Eaters' often portray the darker, hyper-competitive side of Shihon-shugi, where characters are literal 'slaves to capital.'

この映画は現代の資本主義を鋭く批判している。 (This movie sharply criticizes modern capitalism.)

彼は資本主義の勝者となった。 (He became a winner in capitalism.)

冷戦が終わって、資本主義が勝利したと言われた。 (After the Cold War, it was said that capitalism had triumphed.)

Learning 資本主義 involves navigating some common pitfalls, both in meaning and in kanji usage. Because the word is quite long and abstract, learners often confuse it with related but distinct political and economic terms.

Confusion with Democracy: The most frequent mistake is confusing 'Capitalism' (economic system) with 'Democracy' (political system). In Japanese, Democracy is 民主主義 (Minshushugi). While they often go together, they are not the same. You can have 'State Capitalism' in a non-democratic country. Make sure not to use '資本主義' when you mean 'government by the people.'

❌ 資本主義で大統領を選びます。 (Incorrect: Selecting a president via capitalism.)
✅ 民主主義で大統領を選びます。 (Correct: Selecting a president via democracy.)

Kanji Errors: Learners often struggle with the kanji for 'Shihon.' The 'Shi' in Shihon is 資 (resources), not 師 (teacher) or 志 (ambition). Similarly, the 'Hon' is 本 (base/book). A common mistake is writing 資本主義 with the wrong 'gi' (義). It must be the 'gi' meaning 'justice/meaning,' not 'gi' (技) meaning 'technique.'

Another mistake is the pronunciation. The pitch accent is generally flat (Heiban), but learners sometimes over-emphasize the 'SHU' or the 'GI.' Practice saying 'shi-hon-shu-gi' with a steady, even tone. Also, be careful with the word 資本家 (Shihonka), which means 'Capitalist' (the person). Don't say '彼は資本主義です' (He is capitalism) when you mean 'He is a capitalist' (彼は資本家です).

❌ 彼は熱心な資本主義だ。 (Incorrect: He is a dedicated capitalism.)
✅ 彼は熱心な資本主義者だ。 (Correct: He is a dedicated capitalist.)

❌ 四本主義 (Wrong Kanji: Four-books-ism).
✅ 資本主義 (Correct: Capital-ism).

Depending on the context, you might want to use a more specific or slightly different term than 資本主義. Understanding these nuances will make your Japanese sound more sophisticated and precise.

自由主義 (Jiyuushugi - Liberalism): While capitalism is an economic system, liberalism is the broader political philosophy that often supports it. If you are talking about individual rights and free choice, 'Jiyuushugi' might be more appropriate.

市場経済 (Shijou Keizai - Market Economy): This is a more technical economic term. Use this when you want to focus on the mechanism of buying and selling rather than the ideological 'ism' of capitalism. It is often seen as a more 'neutral' term.

市場経済の原則に従う。 (Follow the principles of a market economy.)

新自由主義 (Shin-jiyuushugi - Neoliberalism): This refers to a specific modern form of capitalism that emphasizes deregulation and privatization. It is a very common term in contemporary Japanese political critiques.

When contrasting systems, you will use 社会主義 (Shakaishugi - Socialism) or 共産主義 (Kyousanshugi - Communism). In Japan, these terms are often discussed in historical contexts, particularly regarding the 20th century. Another related term is 封建制 (Houkensei - Feudalism), which is used when discussing the history of Japan before the arrival of capitalism in the late 19th century.

資本主義と社会主義の対立。 (The confrontation between capitalism and socialism.)

グローバルな市場経済が発展した。 (A global market economy has developed.)

彼は資本主義の限界を指摘した。 (He pointed out the limits of capitalism.)

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

Before '資本主義' was standardized, various terms were used, but this version stuck because 'shugi' became the universal suffix for '-ism.' Shibusawa Eiichi, the 'father of Japanese capitalism,' preferred the term 'Gappai' initially.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /kæpɪtəlɪzəm/

US /kæpɪtəlɪzəm/

Shi-hon-shu-gi (flat accent / Heiban).

Reimt sich auf

Shakaishugi Kyousanshugi Jiyuushugi Minshushugi Rakkan-shugi Hikan-shugi Kojin-shugi Gouri-shugi

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing 'gi' as 'ji'.
Putting stress on 'hon'.
Mispronouncing 'shugi' as 'shuki'.
Extending the 'o' in 'shihon'.
Pausing between 'shihon' and 'shugi'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 4/5

Four complex kanji, but common in news.

Schreiben 5/5

Kanji for '資' and '義' are difficult for learners.

Sprechen 3/5

Long word, but pronunciation is steady.

Hören 2/5

Distinct sound, easy to pick out in news.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

経済お金会社自由社会

Als Nächstes lernen

社会主義民主主義新自由主義投資格差

Fortgeschritten

マルクス経済学剰余価値生産手段物神化新自由主義的改革

Wichtige Grammatik

〜主義 (-ism)

民主主義、平和主義、個人主義。

〜に基づく (Based on)

資本主義に基づく経済。

〜における (In/At - formal)

資本主義における格差。

〜としての (As a...)

資本主義としての側面。

〜をめぐる (Concerning/About)

資本主義をめぐる議論。

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Beispiele nach Niveau

これは資本主義の本です。

This is a book about capitalism.

Using 'no' to link two nouns.

日本は資本主義の国です。

Japan is a capitalist country.

Basic A wa B desu structure.

資本主義は難しいです。

Capitalism is difficult.

Adjective 'muzukashii' modifying the noun.

アメリカも資本主義です。

America is also capitalist.

Using 'mo' for 'also'.

資本主義を知っていますか？

Do you know capitalism?

Using 'wo shitte imasu ka' for knowledge.

資本主義は大切です。

Capitalism is important.

Using 'taisetsu' (na-adjective).

資本主義とお金。

Capitalism and money.

Using 'to' for 'and'.

彼は資本主義が好きです。

He likes capitalism.

Using 'ga suki' for preference.

資本主義社会で生きています。

We live in a capitalist society.

Compound noun 'shihon-shugi shakai'.

資本主義の歴史を勉強します。

I will study the history of capitalism.

Noun + 'no' + Noun.

多くの国が資本主義を採用しています。

Many countries adopt capitalism.

Using 'wo saiyou shite imasu' (present progressive/state).

資本主義には良い点もあります。

Capitalism also has good points.

Using 'ni wa' to indicate location/scope.

資本主義について教えてください。

Please tell me about capitalism.

Using 'nitsuite' (about).

自由な資本主義が大切です。

Free capitalism is important.

Adjective 'jiyuu na' modifying the noun.

資本主義は競争を促します。

Capitalism encourages competition.

Transitive verb 'unagasu'.

新しい資本主義の形を考えます。

We think about a new form of capitalism.

Using 'atarashii' (i-adjective).

資本主義の仕組みを詳しく調べた。

I investigated the mechanism of capitalism in detail.

Adverb 'kuwashiku' modifying the verb.

資本主義は個人の自由を重視する。

Capitalism emphasizes individual freedom.

Verb 'juushi suru' (to emphasize).

彼は資本主義の弊害を指摘した。

He pointed out the harmful effects of capitalism.

Noun 'heigai' (harmful effect).

資本主義経済は常に変化している。

The capitalist economy is always changing.

Adverb 'tsune ni' (always).

教育も資本主義の影響を受けている。

Education is also influenced by capitalism.

Passive voice 'eikyou wo ukete iru'.

資本主義のシステムは複雑だ。

The system of capitalism is complex.

Na-adjective 'fukuzatsu'.

人々は資本主義の中で働いている。

People are working within capitalism.

Compound 'no naka de' (inside/within).

資本主義の崩壊を予測する人もいる。

Some people predict the collapse of capitalism.

Verb 'yosoku suru' (to predict).

資本主義の発展は技術革新に支えられてきた。

The development of capitalism has been supported by technological innovation.

Passive potential state 'sasaerarete kita'.

格差の拡大は資本主義の避けられない結果だ。

The widening gap is an inevitable result of capitalism.

Adjective 'sake-rarenai' (unavoidable).

国家資本主義という新たなモデルが注目されている。

A new model called state capitalism is attracting attention.

Phrase 'to iu' (called/named).

資本主義の論理は効率性を最優先する。

The logic of capitalism prioritizes efficiency above all else.

Compound 'sai-yuusen' (highest priority).

現代社会は高度な資本主義に基づいている。

Modern society is based on advanced capitalism.

Verb 'motozuite iru' (based on).

資本主義の枠組みを超えた議論が必要だ。

Discussion beyond the framework of capitalism is necessary.

Verb 'koeta' (exceeded/beyond).

彼は資本主義の矛盾を鋭く批判した。

He sharply criticized the contradictions of capitalism.

Adverb 'suruku' (sharply).

修正資本主義は市場の失敗を補うためのものだ。

Modified capitalism is meant to compensate for market failures.

Verb 'oginau' (to supplement/compensate).

グローバル資本主義の進展により、労働市場が変容した。

With the progress of global capitalism, the labor market has transformed.

Compound 'ni yori' (due to/by).

資本主義の再定義が急務となっている。

Redefining capitalism has become an urgent task.

Noun 'kyuumu' (urgent task).

デジタル資本主義がプライバシーの概念を揺るがしている。

Digital capitalism is shaking the concept of privacy.

Verb 'yuru-gashite iru' (shaking/disturbing).

資本主義のダイナミズムは創造的破壊から生まれる。

The dynamism of capitalism stems from creative destruction.

Noun phrase 'souzouteki hakai' (creative destruction).

彼はポスト資本主義の社会像を提示した。

He presented a vision of a post-capitalist society.

Prefix 'posuto' (post-).

資本主義の浸透は、伝統的な価値観を希薄化させた。

The penetration of capitalism diluted traditional values.

Causative verb 'kihaku-ka saseta'.

新自由主義的な政策が資本主義のあり方を変えた。

Neoliberal policies changed the nature of capitalism.

Adjective suffix '-teki' (characteristic of).

資本主義の終焉を論じる学者が増えている。

An increasing number of scholars are discussing the end of capitalism.

Noun 'shuuen' (demise/end).

資本主義の自己増殖的な性質が環境負荷を増大させている。

The self-proliferating nature of capitalism is increasing the environmental burden.

Compound 'jiko-zoushokuteki' (self-proliferating).

監視資本主義という概念は、データが新たな資本であることを示唆する。

The concept of surveillance capitalism suggests that data is the new capital.

Verb 'shisa suru' (to suggest).

資本主義のパラドックスは、富の蓄積が貧困を生む点にある。

The paradox of capitalism lies in the fact that the accumulation of wealth generates poverty.

Noun 'paradokkusu' (paradox).

資本主義の超克を目指す試みが各地で始まっている。

Attempts to overcome capitalism have begun in various places.

Noun 'choukoku' (overcoming/transcendence).

金融資本主義の暴走が世界経済を不安定化させた。

The runaway nature of financial capitalism destabilized the global economy.

Noun 'bousou' (running out of control).

資本主義の外部性が深刻な社会問題を引き起こしている。

The externalities of capitalism are causing serious social problems.

Noun 'gaibusei' (externality).

資本主義の精神とプロテスタンティズムの倫理の関係を考察する。

Consider the relationship between the spirit of capitalism and the Protestant ethic.

Verb 'kousatsu suru' (to consider/examine).

資本主義という言説がどのように構築されたかを分析する。

Analyze how the discourse called capitalism was constructed.

Noun 'gensetsu' (discourse).

Synonyme

市場経済自由経済資本制営利主義

Gegenteile

社会主義共産主義封建主義

Häufige Kollokationen

資本主義社会

資本主義経済

修正資本主義

グローバル資本主義

資本主義の弊害

資本主義のルール

デジタル資本主義

国家資本主義

資本主義の精神

資本主義の限界

Häufige Phrasen

資本主義の申し子

— A person who is a 'child of capitalism,' embodying its traits perfectly.

彼はまさに資本主義の申し子だ。

資本主義の論理

— The internal logic or reasoning of the capitalist system.

資本主義の論理に従うしかない。

資本主義の洗礼

— To experience the harsh realities of capitalism for the first time.

彼は市場で資本主義の洗礼を受けた。

資本主義の歯車

— To be a mere 'cog in the machine' of the capitalist system.

私は資本主義の歯車にすぎない。

資本主義の勝ち組

— A 'winner' in the competitive capitalist society.

彼は資本主義の勝ち組に入った。

資本主義の負け組

— A 'loser' in the competitive capitalist society.

格差社会で負け組が増えている。

資本主義の終焉

— The end or demise of the capitalist system.

資本主義の終焉が近いという説。

資本主義の枠組み

— The framework or structure of capitalism.

資本主義の枠組みの中で解決する。

資本主義の荒波

— The 'rough waves' or harsh competition of capitalism.

資本主義の荒波に揉まれる。

新しい資本主義

— A modern political slogan for reforming capitalism in Japan.

岸田政権が掲げる新しい資本主義。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

資本主義 vs 民主主義

Democracy (political) vs Capitalism (economic).

資本主義 vs 自由主義

Liberalism (philosophy) vs Capitalism (system).

資本主義 vs 資本家

The person (capitalist) vs the system (capitalism).

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"金の亡者"

— A person obsessed with money, often used in capitalist critiques.

彼は資本主義が生んだ金の亡者だ。

Critical

"弱肉強食"

— Survival of the fittest; often used to describe capitalist competition.

資本主義は弱肉強食の世界だ。

Common

"地獄の沙汰も金次第"

— Money talks even in hell; reflects the power of capital.

資本主義では地獄の沙汰も金次第だ。

Idiomatic

"時は金なり"

— Time is money; a core value of capitalist efficiency.

資本主義社会では、時は金なりだ。

Proverb

"一攫千金"

— Getting rich quick; a dream often associated with capitalist markets.

資本主義の夢、一攫千金を狙う。

Common

"働かざる者食うべからず"

— Those who do not work shall not eat; a labor ethic in capitalism.

資本主義の基本は働かざる者食うべからずだ。

Proverb

"安物買いの銭失い"

— Penny wise, pound foolish; a consumer warning in market economies.

資本主義の消費社会では、安物買いの銭失いに注意。

Proverb

"損して得取れ"

— Take a loss to gain a profit; a business strategy.

資本主義の投資は、損して得取れだ。

Business

"捕らぬ狸の皮算用"

— Counting chickens before they hatch; a warning against market speculation.

株で儲ける前に皮算用をするのは資本主義の罠だ。

Idiomatic

"棚からぼたもち"

— A windfall; unexpected profit in a capitalist system.

資本主義でも棚からぼたもちは稀だ。

Idiomatic

Leicht verwechselbar

資本主義 vs 資材

Starts with 'Shi'.

'Shizai' means materials/supplies, not capital.

建築資材を購入する。

資本主義 vs 資本金

Contains 'Shihon'.

Refers specifically to the starting capital of a company.

資本金は1000万円です。

資本主義 vs 主観

Contains 'Shu'.

Means subjectivity/subjective view.

それはあなたの主観です。

資本主義 vs 義理

Contains 'Gi'.

Means obligation or duty.

義理でプレゼントをあげる。

資本主義 vs 本質

Contains 'Hon'.

Means essence or true nature.

問題の本質を考える。

Satzmuster

Aは資本主義です。

日本は資本主義です。

資本主義のAはBです。

資本主義の仕組みは難しいです。

資本主義においてAは重要だ。

資本主義において競争は重要だ。

資本主義をAする。

資本主義を批判する。

Aは資本主義のBにすぎない。

それは資本主義の弊害にすぎない。

資本主義に伴うA。

資本主義に伴う格差。

資本主義がAをB化させる。

資本主義が労働を商品化させる。

Aは資本主義の論理に規定されている。

消費行動は資本主義の論理に規定されている。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

資本 (Capital)

資本家 (Capitalist)

資本金 (Capital stock)

資本財 (Capital goods)

Verben

資本化する (To capitalize)

Adjektive

資本主義的 (Capitalistic)

Verwandt

経済 (Economy)

市場 (Market)

投資 (Investment)

利益 (Profit)

競争 (Competition)

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So verwendest du es

frequency

High in news/education; Low in casual chat.

Häufige Fehler

資本主義を投票する → 民主主義で投票する
You don't vote 'via capitalism'; you vote via democracy.
彼は資本主義です → 彼は資本主義者です
A person cannot be 'capitalism'; they are a 'capitalist'.
四本主義 → 資本主義
The first kanji is 資 (resource), not 四 (four).
資本主技 → 資本主義
The last kanji is 義 (principle), not 技 (technique).
資本主義は政治です → 資本主義は経済体制です
Capitalism is primarily an economic system, not just a political one.

Tipps

Watch the Gi

The 'gi' in shugi is 義. It's the same 'gi' as in 'seigi' (justice). Remember that an ideology is a sense of 'meaning' or 'justice' for how things should work.

Flat Tone

Don't emphasize any part of 'Shi-hon-shu-gi'. Keep it like a flat line. This is the standard 'Heiban' accent for long nouns.

Shibusawa Eiichi

If you want to impress Japanese people, mention Shibusawa Eiichi when talking about capitalism. He's a national hero of business ethics.

Compound Power

You can stick 'shakai' (society) or 'keizai' (economy) directly onto the end without a 'no' to sound more professional.

News Keywords

When you hear 'shugi' on the news, get ready for a serious topic. It's the signal for an ideological or systemic discussion.

Formal Context

Use 'ni okeru' instead of 'no' when writing about things 'in' capitalism to sound like a university student.

Antonym Pair

Learn 'Shihon-shugi' and 'Shakaishugi' together. They are like 'North' and 'South' in the world of economic vocabulary.

She-Hon

Remember: 'She' (Shi) bought a 'Book' (Hon) about money. She-Hon.

B2 Goal

At B2 level, don't just know the meaning; know one 'harmful effect' (弊害) of it to discuss in a speaking test.

Business Ready

In business, use 'Shihon-shugi' to discuss market trends, but use 'Shijou-keizai' to discuss actual trading.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine a **SHI**p (資) carrying a big **HON** (本 - book/base) of money to a country that loves **SHU** (主 - master) of **GI** (義 - justice/meaning).

Visuelle Assoziation

Visualize a giant 'Yen' symbol acting as the foundation (本) of a skyscraper (society).

Word Web

Money Banks Factories Stock Market Competition Private Property Profit Investment

Herausforderung

Try to write a sentence using 'Shihon-shugi' and its antonym 'Shakaishugi' in the same paragraph.

Wortherkunft

The word was coined during the Meiji Restoration (late 19th century) to translate Western economic concepts. 'Shihon' (資本) was chosen to represent 'capital' as the 'root/base' of 'resources.'

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The principle based on capital resources.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when discussing 'Shihon-shugi' in political contexts, as it can be a polarizing topic regarding wealth inequality.

Western learners often view capitalism as a default state, but in Japanese, the word carries a historical weight of 'Westernization.'

'Capital in the Twenty-First Century' by Thomas Piketty (huge hit in Japan). Shibusawa Eiichi's 'The Analects and the Abacus'. Marxist studies in Tokyo University.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

News Report

景気後退
市場の動向
新しい資本主義
経済政策

History Class

明治維新
産業革命
冷戦
封建制度

Business Meeting

利益追求
市場競争
投資家
株主

Political Debate

格差社会
再分配
福祉国家
規制緩和

Documentary

消費社会
環境破壊
持続可能性
システムの限界

Gesprächseinstiege

"資本主義の将来についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about the future of capitalism?)"

"あなたの国は資本主義の国ですか？ (Is your country a capitalist country?)"

"資本主義の最大のメリットは何だと思いますか？ (What do you think is the biggest merit of capitalism?)"

"最近、「新しい資本主義」という言葉を聞きましたか？ (Have you heard the term 'New Capitalism' lately?)"

"資本主義は環境問題にどう影響していると思いますか？ (How do you think capitalism affects environmental issues?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

資本主義社会で幸せに生きるためには何が必要だと思いますか？ (What do you think is necessary to live happily in a capitalist society?)

もし資本主義がなかったら、世界はどうなっていたでしょうか？ (If capitalism didn't exist, what would the world be like?)

資本主義の競争は人々に良い影響を与えていると思いますか？ (Do you think capitalist competition has a good effect on people?)

あなたが考える「理想的な経済体制」について書いてください。 (Write about your 'ideal economic system.')

資本主義の仕組みの中で、あなたが一番不思議に思うことは何ですか？ (What do you find most mysterious about the mechanism of capitalism?)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, it is a neutral academic and economic term. However, like in many countries, it can be used critically in political discussions regarding inequality or environmental issues.

No. To describe a person who believes in or embodies capitalism, use '資本主義者' (Shihon-shugi-sha) or '資本家' (Shihonka) for an actual owner of capital.

Yes, Japan is one of the world's leading capitalist economies, though it has specific characteristics like strong government-business cooperation.

The first kanji is 資 (resources) and the second is 本 (base). Think of it as the 'base of resources'.

It is a policy slogan used by Prime Minister Kishida to describe a more inclusive form of capitalism that focuses on both growth and distribution of wealth.

Usually only in school, university, or when discussing serious topics like the job market or the economy.

The most common opposite mentioned is 'Shakaishugi' (Socialism) or 'Kyousanshugi' (Communism).

Yes, almost always. For example, 'Optimism' is 'Rakkan-shugi' and 'Individualism' is 'Kojin-shugi'.

Yes, it is a formal word. In casual conversation, people might just talk about 'okane' (money) or 'kaisha' (companies) instead of the whole system.

Yes, especially in 'psychological' or 'gambling' anime where the cruelty of the economic system is a theme.

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