Translation guide
An economic system where business success depends on close relationships between business people and government officials, often involving favoritism, corruption, and lack of fair competition.
To describe an economic system characterized by collusion between business and government, often implying corruption and unfair advantages.
The most direct translation, used in academic and journalistic contexts. It literally means 'connection-based capitalism'.
縁故資本主義は経済の非効率を招く。
Crony capitalism leads to economic inefficiency.
A more colloquial term using the loanword 'コネ' (connections). Common in media and everyday conversation.
この国はコネ資本主義だと言われている。
This country is said to be a crony capitalism.
Emphasizes the 'collusion' or 'adhesion' between business and government. Often used in critical contexts.
癒着資本主義の弊害が指摘されている。
The harmful effects of crony capitalism have been pointed out.
Focuses on 'vested interests' and 'privileges'. Used in political and economic analysis.
利権資本主義の構造を改革する必要がある。
It is necessary to reform the structure of crony capitalism.
To characterize a specific situation, policy, or relationship as an example of crony capitalism.
Adjectival phrase meaning 'cronyistic' or 'based on favoritism'. Can modify nouns like 'system' or 'practice'.
その政策は縁故主義的なものだと批判された。
The policy was criticized as crony capitalism.
A phrase meaning 'structure of connections and vested interests', often used to describe crony capitalism without using the direct term.
この業界にはコネと利権の構造が根強い。
The structure of crony capitalism is deeply rooted in this industry.
To caution learners that directly translating 'crony' as '親友' (close friend) is unnatural and misleading.
The word 'crony' does not have a direct, natural equivalent in Japanese that captures the negative nuance of political/business favoritism. Use the established terms above instead.
Do not use '親友資本主義' or '仲良し資本主義'. These sound like 'best friend capitalism' and are not understood as the political/economic concept.
「親友資本主義」とは言わない。
We don't say 'shinyuu shihonshugi'.
縁故資本主義 is the standard, formal term suitable for writing and serious discussion. コネ資本主義 is more casual and often used in spoken language or opinion pieces. Both are widely understood.
縁故資本主義は発展途上国でよく見られる。
Crony capitalism is often seen in developing countries.
あの会社のやり方は完全にコネ資本主義だよ。
That company's way of doing things is totally crony capitalism.
If the context is more about corruption than the economic system, consider using terms like 汚職 (おしょく, corruption) or 談合 (だんごう, bid-rigging). For favoritism in hiring, コネ採用 (コネさいよう) is common.
このプロジェクトは談合で決まった。
This project was decided through bid-rigging.