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.
To refer to people who have recently become wealthy, without strong negative judgment.
A relatively neutral term meaning 'newly emerging wealthy class'. Used in economic or social contexts.
新興富裕層の消費が経済を支えている。
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.
彼は成金だが、性格は変わっていない。
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.
にわか成金の彼は高級車を何台も買った。
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.
Means 'nouveau riche taste'. Used for gaudy, ostentatious, or tacky displays of wealth.
あの金ピカの装飾は成金趣味だ。
That gold-plated decoration is so nouveau riche.
An adjective meaning 'like nouveau riche' or 'typical of new money'.
成金的な消費パターンが見られる。
We can see a nouveau riche consumption pattern.
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.
Literally 'person who has risen up'. Emphasizes low origins and lack of refinement. More explicitly derogatory than 成金 alone.
彼は成り上がり者だから、マナーを知らない。
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.
彼は典型的な拝金主義者で、金の話しかしない。
He's a typical money-grubber, only talks about money.