Meaning and Usage
"貴族" (きぞく) refers to nobles or aristocrats, typically those belonging to a hereditary upper class with social privileges. It is often used in historical or formal contexts to describe people with high social rank.
Common Contexts
You will frequently encounter "貴族" in discussions about history, literature, or social class distinctions. It can describe both the individuals and the social class itself.
Collocations and Patterns
- 貴族の家 (きぞくのいえ): noble family, emphasizing lineage
- 貴族社会 (きぞくしゃかい): aristocratic society, often historical
- 貴族階級 (きぞくかいきゅう): noble class, referring to social hierarchy
Register and Nuance
The term is formal and somewhat literary. It is not used for modern wealthy people unless referring to traditional aristocracy. Avoid confusing "貴族" with simply "wealthy" or "rich" (裕福).
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes use "貴族" to mean just "rich person," but it specifically implies noble birth or aristocratic status, not just wealth.