Translation guide
The economic system based on private ownership and free markets. In Japanese, the direct term is 資本主義, but natural usage often involves discussing market economies, corporate culture, or specific capitalist concepts.
Referring to capitalism as an economic system
The standard term for capitalism as an economic system. Used in academic, political, and everyday contexts.
Capitalism is based on free markets.
Specifically refers to a capitalist economy. Often used in economic discussions.
Japan is a capitalist economy country.
Emphasizing the market aspect of capitalism
Market economy; often used interchangeably with capitalism in economic contexts.
Under a market economy, prices are determined by supply and demand.
Referring to laissez-faire or free-market capitalism
Discussing capitalism in the context of corporations and business practices
In business contexts, capitalism is often implied through terms like corporate activity or profit-seeking. Direct translation may sound academic.
Freedom of corporate activity is the basis of capitalism.
When profit-seeking goes too far, problems arise.
Expressing criticism of capitalism
Referring to state-directed capitalism
State capitalism; used in political and economic analysis.
China is cited as an example of state capitalism.
資本主義 is the broad ideological term, while 市場経済 focuses on the economic mechanism. In everyday conversation, 資本主義 is more common when discussing political or social systems.
Directly saying 'capitalism' in casual Japanese may sound overly academic. Instead, describe the situation or use terms like 自由競争 (free competition) or 営利 (profit-making) depending on context.
People who support free-market ideology demand deregulation.