资本主义

• Pinyin: zī běn zhǔ yì
• Hanzi breakdown: 资 = 次 + 贝 (capital); 本 = 木 + 一 (origin); 主 = 丶 + 王 (main); 义 = 丶 + 乂 (doctrine)

Meaning

Capitalism; the capitalist system. An economic system based on private ownership and free markets.

The political and economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production, wage labor, and market-based exchange. A key term in political science, economics, and historical analysis, especially in Chinese discourse.

Examples

1. 资本主义在十八世纪开始兴起。 Capitalism began to rise in the eighteenth century.
2. 这本书分析了资本主义的发展历程。 This book analyzes the development of capitalism.
3. 许多学者研究资本主义与社会主义的区别。 Many scholars study the differences between capitalism and socialism.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, economics, academia

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 工业革命推动了资本主义的发展。(The Industrial Revolution promoted the development of capitalism.)
• 资本主义国家实行市场经济体制。(Capitalist countries implement a market economy system.)

Don't Say

• 他很资本主义 — use 资本家作风 or simply describe specific behaviors instead

Origin & History

资本 (capital) + 主义 (-ism, doctrine)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal