俗物

• Reading: ぞくぶつ
• Romaji: zokubutsu
• Kanji breakdown: 俗 (zoku) — worldly, vulgar; 物 (butsu) — person, thing
• Pronunciation: /zo.kɯ.bɯ.tsɯ/

Meaning

Worldly person; vulgar person; philistine. Someone obsessed with status, money, or superficial values.

A noun used critically to describe someone who is crass, materialistic, or driven entirely by social climbing and personal gain. 俗物根性 (philistine mentality; petty vulgarity) intensifies the criticism. It is a somewhat literary or intellectual insult, often used ironically. The term carries a tone of contempt from someone who considers themselves more principled or idealistic.

Examples

1. 名声と金にしか興味のない俗物と付き合うのは時間の無駄だと思った。 I thought it was a waste of time associating with a philistine interested only in fame and money.
2. 俗物根性丸出しの発言に、会場の空気が一気に冷えた。 The remark, which reeked of a petty, self-serving mentality, instantly killed the atmosphere in the room.
3. 彼は俗物に見えるが、実は深い信念を持つ人物だと後になって分かった。 He appeared to be a vulgar opportunist, but it became clear later that he was actually a man of deep conviction.

Usage Guide

Context: criticism, social commentary, literature, character description

Tone: critical

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound: 俗 (zoku) means worldly, vulgar, or common, 物 (butsu) means person or thing. Together: 'a worldly, common person.'

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: Educated