Translation guide
Refers to people who have recently acquired wealth, often with implications about their taste, social status, or behavior. Japanese expressions range from neutral descriptions to derogatory terms.
The consumption of the nouveau riche is supporting the economy.
Literally 'become rich'. Often carries a slightly negative nuance of sudden wealth and lack of refinement, but can be used descriptively.
He's nouveau riche, but his personality hasn't changed.
Emphasizes the suddenness of becoming rich, like 'overnight millionaire'. Often used in stories or news.
As a sudden nouveau riche, he bought several luxury cars.
To criticize someone who has recently become rich and flaunts wealth in a vulgar or unsophisticated way.
To describe actions, tastes, or displays that are seen as typical of newly rich people.
The direct translation '新しい金持ち' (atarashii kanemochi) is not idiomatic and sounds unnatural. Use the terms above instead.
成金 is the standard term and can be used in various contexts, from neutral to derogatory. 成り上がり者 explicitly emphasizes low social origins and is more insulting. Use 成金 for general 'nouveau riche' and 成り上がり者 when you want to stress the person's humble background in a negative way.
That nouveau riche bastard!
Literally 'person who has risen up'. Emphasizes low origins and lack of refinement. More explicitly derogatory than 成金 alone.
He's an upstart, so he doesn't know manners.
Means 'money-worshipper' or 'mammonist'. Focuses on the greed and materialism often associated with nouveau riche, rather than just new wealth.
He's a typical money-grubber, only talks about money.