資本主義

• Reading: しほんしゅぎ
• Romaji: shihonshugi
• Kanji breakdown: 資 (shi) — resources, capital; 本 (hon/moto) — origin, base; 主 (shu/nushi) — main, lord; 義 (gi) — righteousness, meaning
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.hoɴ.ɕɯ.ɡi/

Meaning

Capitalism. An economic system based on private ownership and free-market competition.

A noun referring to the economic system characterised by private ownership of the means of production and market-driven allocation of resources. Often appears in contrast with 社会主義 (socialism) or 共産主義 (communism). Common in academic, political, and news contexts. The adjectival form 資本主義的 means 'capitalistic.'

Examples

1. 資本主義の発展とともに格差が広がった。 Inequality has widened alongside the development of capitalism.
2. 現代の資本主義社会では競争が激しい。 Competition is fierce in modern capitalist society.
3. 資本主義と社会主義の違いについてレポートを書いた。 I wrote a report on the differences between capitalism and socialism.

Usage Guide

Context: economics, politics, academic

Tone: academic

Origin & History

A modern compound: 資本 (shihon, capital) + 主義 (shugi, -ism/ideology). Coined during the Meiji era as a translation of Western economic terminology.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal