Translation guide
The bourgeoisie refers to the capitalist class who own the means of production. In Japanese, the term is often used in Marxist or sociological contexts, but can also refer to the middle class in everyday language.
The class that owns the means of production in a capitalist society, as defined in Marxist theory.
Direct loanword from French, used in academic and political contexts. Most common term for the Marxist concept.
According to Marx, the bourgeoisie exploits the proletariat.
Literally 'capitalist class'. More descriptive and easier to understand for Japanese speakers unfamiliar with the loanword.
The capitalist class owns the means of production.
Literally 'propertied class'. An older term, sometimes used in historical or literary contexts.
The rise of the propertied class changed the social structure.
The social class between the upper and working classes, often associated with conventional values and material comfort.
Standard term for 'middle class'. Used in everyday conversation and media.
He was born into a middle-class family.
Shortened form of ブルジョワジー, often used to describe a bourgeois lifestyle or attitude. Can carry a slightly negative connotation of being materialistic or conventional.
ブルジョワジー is specifically the Marxist term for the capitalist class, while 中産階級 is the general term for the middle class. In everyday Japanese, 中産階級 is more common when talking about social status, while ブルジョワジー is used in political or academic discussions.
He thinks he's middle class, but he's actually upper class.
In English, 'bourgeoisie' can sometimes be used loosely to mean 'middle class', but in Japanese, ブルジョワジー strictly refers to the capitalist class in Marxist theory. Using it to mean 'middle class' may cause confusion.
彼のブルジョワな趣味にはついていけない。
I can't keep up with his bourgeois tastes.
Historically refers to the burgher class or bourgeoisie in the context of European history. Not commonly used for modern middle class.
The bourgeoisie played an important role in the French Revolution.