Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'the nobility' can be expressed through specific terms for the aristocratic class, historical titles, or descriptive phrases. The most common and direct term is 貴族 (kizoku).
Referring to the aristocratic class as a whole, especially in historical or societal contexts.
The standard word for 'nobility' or 'aristocracy'. It can refer to the class as a whole or to individual nobles.
貴族は特権を持っていた。
The nobility held privileges.
彼は貴族の出身だ。
He is of noble birth.
Refers specifically to the Japanese peerage system (kazoku) established in the Meiji era (1869–1947). Use this when talking about Japanese nobility of that period.
華族制度は1947年に廃止された。
The kazoku peerage system was abolished in 1947.
The court nobility of the Heian period and later, as opposed to the warrior class (buke). Very specific historical term.
公家は朝廷に仕えた。
The court nobles served the imperial court.
Referring to an individual who belongs to the noble class.
Can be used for both the class and an individual noble. Context clarifies.
彼女はイギリスの貴族だ。
She is a British noble.
Literally 'a member of the nobility'. Useful for clarity when emphasizing membership.
彼は貴族の一員として育てられた。
He was raised as a member of the nobility.
Specifically a member of the Meiji-era Japanese peerage.
Referring to the abstract quality of being noble, virtuous, or having high moral character.
Means 'nobility' in the sense of moral integrity, loftiness of character. Not about social class.
彼の行動には高潔さがあった。
There was nobility in his actions.
Nobility of spirit, dignity, loftiness. Often used in literary contexts.
彼女の気高さに心を打たれた。
I was moved by her nobility of spirit.
Sublimity, loftiness; often used for ideals or sacrifices. More abstract and grand.
貴族 (kizoku) is the general term for nobility in any culture or era. 華族 (kazoku) is specific to the modern Japanese peerage system (1869–1947). 公家 (kuge) refers to the ancient court nobility of the Heian period. Use 貴族 unless you are specifically discussing Japanese historical peerage.
When 'nobility' means moral excellence, do not use 貴族. Instead, use words like 高潔 (kouketsu) or 気高さ (kedakasa). Using 貴族 for a person's character would be a mistake.
His grandfather was a kazoku peer.
崇高な理想のために戦った。
They fought for a noble ideal.