Japanese word

資本主義

Pronunciation

Romajishihonshugi

Meaning

  • nouncapitalism

Example

資本主義では、競争が経済を動かします。shi hon shu gi de wa kyō sō ga kei zai o ugo ka shi ma su

Under capitalism, competition drives the economy.

Illustration for 資本主義 (capitalism)

More examples

企業は資本主義の原理に基づいて利益を追求します。ki gyō wa shi hon shu gi no gen ri ni moto zu i te ri eki o tsui kyū shi ma su

Companies pursue profits based on the principles of capitalism.

Core concept

Presents an economy where ownership is mainly private and competition among sellers helps determine what is produced, invested in, and sold.

Common phrases

  • 資本主義社会shi hon shu gi sha kai

    capitalist society

  • 資本主義経済shi hon shu gi kei zai

    capitalist economy

Similar words

市場経済shijōkeizai: An economy in which supply and demand largely guide prices, production, and trade.
自由経済jiyūkeizai: An economic system with relatively little government control over private business and trade.

Definition in Japanese

生産に必要な財産を私有し、利益を目的とする活動と市場での競争を中心に成り立つ経済体制。sei san ni hitsu yō na zai san o shi yū shi ri eki o moku teki to su ru katsu dō to shi jō de no kyō sō o chū shin ni na ri ta tsu kei zai tai sei

Word origin

資本主義 (shihonshugi, "capitalism") combines 資本 (shihon, "capital") and 主義 (shugi, "principle"). 資 (shi) means "resources", 本 (hon) "basis", 主 (shu) "main", and 義 (gi) "principle".

Usage tips

  • The word capitalism often describes a broad economic system, while in everyday English it can also point to profit-driven practices within a particular industry.

Opposites

  • 社会主義shakaishugisocialismnoun

Related words

  • 資本主義者shihonshugishacapitalistnoun
  • 資本主義的shihonshugitekicapitalisticna-adjective

Word lists with this word