Translation guide
The social, political, and economic system based on land ownership and personal loyalty, most commonly associated with medieval Europe and Japan. This guide helps learners express the concept naturally in Japanese, covering the general term, historical contexts, and related expressions.
Referring to feudalism as a broad historical system, often in academic or explanatory contexts.
The standard term for 'feudalism' as a system. Used in history, sociology, and general discussion.
封建制度は中世ヨーロッパで広く見られた。
Feudalism was widespread in medieval Europe.
Emphasizes the ideology or principles of feudalism, less common than 封建制度 but still used.
封建主義の考え方は身分制度に基づいている。
The ideology of feudalism is based on a class system.
Specifically referring to the feudal period in Japan, often with terms unique to Japanese history.
Refers to the shogunate-domain system of the Edo period (1603–1868), the specific form of feudalism in Japan.
幕藩体制の下で、大名は将軍に忠誠を誓った。
Under the shogunate system, feudal lords pledged loyalty to the shogun.
Literally 'warrior society', used to describe the social structure dominated by the samurai class.
武家社会の慣習は現代にも影響を与えている。
The customs of the warrior society still influence modern times.
Using 'feudalism' to criticize rigid hierarchies or outdated systems in modern contexts.
An adjective meaning 'feudal' or 'feudalistic', often used negatively to describe old-fashioned, hierarchical attitudes or practices.
あの会社の管理体制は封建的だ。
That company's management style is feudalistic.
封建的な考え方を捨てるべきだ。
We should abandon feudalistic ways of thinking.
Means 'remnants of feudalism', used to describe lingering feudalistic elements in society.
その慣行は封建主義の名残だと言われている。
That practice is said to be a remnant of feudalism.
封建制度 is the general term for feudalism and can apply to any region. 幕藩体制 specifically refers to the Edo-period Japanese system under the Tokugawa shogunate. Use 封建制度 for broad discussions and 幕藩体制 when focusing on Japanese history.
When criticizing rigid hierarchies, 封建的 is natural, but directly saying 'feudalism' (封建制度) may sound too historical. Use 封建的 for attitudes and practices.
封建制度は中央集権国家の台頭とともに衰退した。
Feudalism declined with the rise of centralized states.
日本の封建制度は明治維新まで続いた。
The feudal system in Japan lasted until the Meiji Restoration.
Means 'feudal era' and is commonly used to refer to Japan's feudal period broadly.
封建時代の日本では、武士が支配階級だった。
In feudal Japan, the samurai were the ruling class.