capitalisme
/ka.pi.ta.lism/masculine
Capitalism in French is capitalisme.
capitalisme is a masculine noun used to describe a socio-economic system based on private property rights.
Meaning: socio-economic system based on private property rights (noun)
Which one should you use?
To describe a person or an idea as 'capitalist', use the word capitaliste instead of capitalisme.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun capitalisme (the system) is closely related to the adjective or noun capitaliste (a person who follows the system or the concept of the system).
How do you pronounce it?
/ka.pi.ta.lism/
Did you know?
- In many French political debates, the term libéralisme is used to mean what an English speaker would call 'capitalism', though in English 'liberalism' refers to a completely different political philosophy.
- The word capitalisme is derived from the root capital, which shares its origins with the Latin word for 'head', much like the English word 'capital' used in 'capital city'.
- The term capitalisme sauvage is a common colocation used to describe 'predatory' or 'unregulated' capitalism, often used in media to criticize a lack of state oversight.
Examples in context
- Le capitalisme, c'est la pauvreté.Capitalism is poverty.This sentence uses capitalisme.Tatoeba #8738875 by Micsmithel, translation #7865536 by shekitten
- Je me demande ce qu'est un capitalisme non financier.I wonder what non-finance capitalism is.Tatoeba #1013944 by sacredceltic, translation #12200615 by Miktsoanit
- Le capitalisme d'état pouvait être démocratique ou autoritaire.State Capitalism could be democratic or authoritarian.Tatoeba #1604429 by sacredceltic, translation #1603563 by nonong
- Dans notre société actuelle, le capitalisme joue un rôle prépondérant dans l'économie.In our current society, capitalism plays a dominant role in the economy.
- Tu sais, le fric règne en maître avec ce système capitaliste.You know, money has the upper hand with this capitalist system.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are discussing a political science book at a cafe.
- LéaCe livre analyse les origines du capitalisme.This book analyzes the origins of capitalism.
- LucasEst-ce qu'il est facile à comprendre ?Is it easy to understand?
- LéaOui, c'est très clair pour moi.Yes, it is very clear to me.
- LucasJe vais le lire aussi.I am going to read it too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “capitalism” translations and entries capitalisme, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries capitalisme, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
