Translation guide
A system of government or control by a small group of people. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through specific terms for the ruling group, the system itself, or descriptive phrases.
Referring to the small group of people who hold power in an oligarchy.
Refers to the few people at the top of an oligarchic system. Often used in political or historical contexts.
That country is ruled by an oligarchy.
Literally 'minority rulers'. A more descriptive term for the ruling few.
The oligarchs monopolize the wealth.
Means 'the few in the ruling class'. Used in analytical or academic writing.
The oligarchy decides policy.
Referring to the form of government where power rests with a small group.
The standard term for 'oligarchy' as a political system. Used in political science and general discussion.
Oligarchy is opposed to democracy.
Literally 'minority rule'. A broader term that can refer to oligarchy or any system where a minority holds power.
Oligarchy tends to lead to corruption.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'rule by the few'. Used when explaining the concept.
Referring to a country or society that functions as an oligarchy.
Referring to control by a small group of wealthy individuals or corporations.
寡頭制 (かとうせい) is the specific political science term for 'oligarchy'. 少数支配 (しょうすうしはい) is a broader term meaning 'minority rule' and can be used in non-political contexts as well. For formal writing about political systems, 寡頭制 is preferred.
In casual conversation, Japanese speakers might simply explain the concept rather than use the technical term. For example, '一部の人間が権力を握っている状態' (a state where a few people hold power) is a natural way to describe an oligarchy without using the word 寡頭制.
The country is an oligarchy.
Oligarchy often leads to inequality.
Oligarchy has existed since ancient times.
In an oligarchy, inequality widens.
Economic oligarchy distorts politics.