Translation guide
A society where men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.
To describe a society structured around male authority and privilege.
The standard academic and formal term for 'patriarchal society'. Used in sociology, gender studies, and formal discussions.
Japan was a patriarchal society for a long time.
Literally 'male-dominant society'. A more descriptive term, often used in general discussions about gender inequality.
This country is still said to be a male-dominant society.
A colloquial term meaning 'male-dominated society' or 'man's world'. Often used in everyday conversation to describe workplaces or social systems where men hold power.
That company is a typical patriarchal society.
A less common term, literally 'paternalistic society'. Used in some academic contexts but less frequent than 家父長制社会.
That culture has characteristics of a patriarchal society.
To characterize a specific institution, workplace, or social structure as patriarchal.
Adjectival form meaning 'patriarchal'. Can modify nouns like 社会 (society), 制度 (system), 構造 (structure).
We need to change the patriarchal system.
Means 'male-centered'. Used to describe organizations or societies where men are at the center of power.
Literally 'respect men, despise women'. A set phrase describing an attitude or system that values men over women. Often used in discussions of traditional gender roles.
家父長制社会 is the direct translation of 'patriarchal society' and is used in academic and formal contexts. 男性優位社会 is more descriptive and can be used in everyday language to describe male dominance without the historical/structural connotations of 'patriarchy'.
The English phrase 'patriarchal society' is often used broadly. In Japanese, 家父長制社会 specifically refers to a system where the father/husband holds authority. For general male dominance, 男性優位社会 or 男社会 may be more natural.
We live in a patriarchal society.
Formal statement
The workplace is still very patriarchal.
Casual, spoken
In a male-centered society, women's voices are hard to hear.
The patriarchal mindset still persists strongly.