Translation and Meaning of: 景気 - keiki

The Japanese word 景気[けいき] is frequently heard in news reports, economic discussions, and even in the daily lives of the Japanese people. If you are studying Japanese or are curious about related to economics, understanding the meaning and use of this expression is essential. In this article, we will explore what 景気 represents, its origin, how it is used in everyday life, and some interesting facts that make learning it more engaging.

In addition to being a technical term, 景気 carries important cultural nuances for those who wish to understand Japanese society. Whether for those seeking fluency in the language or simply wanting to expand their vocabulary, knowing this word can be useful in both formal and informal conversations. Let's dive into the details and discover how it fits into the economic and social context of Japan.

Meaning and usage of 景気

景気 is commonly translated as "economic situation" or "market condition," but its meaning goes a bit further. It refers to the overall state of the economy, including growth, recession, consumer trends, and production. When the Japanese say that 景気 is good (景気がいい), it means that the economy is thriving, with more jobs and financial activity.

On the other hand, if you hear that the 景気 is bad (景気が悪い), it is a sign that the country is facing difficulties, such as unemployment or a decline in sales. This word appears constantly in business reports, political debates, and even in casual conversations, especially when the topic is work or personal finance. If you keep up with news about Japan, you have likely come across it.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The writing of 景気 is made up of two kanjis: 景 (kei), which can mean "scenery" or "view", and 気 (ki), which represents "energy" or "atmosphere". Together, they convey the idea of "economic climate", something that reflects the overall business and market environment. This combination is not random – it emerged during the Edo period, when Japan began to develop a more structured economy.

It is interesting to note that, although 気 is a versatile kanji used in many Japanese words, in 景気 it takes on a more abstract meaning, related to the state of affairs. This duality between the concrete and the intangible helps to understand why this word is so commonly used to describe something as complex as the economy.

How 景気 is perceived in Japan

In Japan, 景気 is not just a technical indicator - it influences personal decisions and even the mood of the population. When the economy is in recession, people tend to spend less, delay big purchases, and even avoid job changes. On the other hand, in times of prosperity, there is more confidence in the future, which is reflected in consumption and investments.

Moreover, the word frequently appears in the media, especially in headlines about government policies or company performance. If you want to understand the concerns of the Japanese people, paying attention to how 景気 is discussed can be a great starting point. It functions almost like a social thermometer, revealing much about the moment the country is experiencing.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 経済 (Keizai) - Economy
• 経済状態 (Keizai joutai) - Economic status
• 経済情勢 (Keizai jousei) - Condições econômicas
• 経済的状況 (Keizaiteki joukyou) - Situação econômica
• 経済繁栄 (Keizai han'ei) - Prosperidade econômica
• 経済成長 (Keizai seichou) - Crescimento econômico
• 経済発展 (Keizai hatten) - Desenvolvimento econômico
• 経済活動 (Keizai katsudou) - Atividades econômicas
• 経済界 (Keizai kai) - Mundo econômico
• 経済事情 (Keizai jijou) - Economic conditions (specific context)
• 経済動向 (Keizai doukou) - Tendências econômicas
• 経済政策 (Keizai seisaku) - Economic policy
• 経済指標 (Keizai shihyou) - Indicadores econômicos
• 経済規模 (Keizai kibo) - Economic scale
• 経済復興 (Keizai fukkou) - Reconstrução econômica
• 経済崩壊 (Keizai houkai) - Colapso econômico
• 経済不況 (Keizai fukyou) - Recessão econômica
• 経済不振 (Keizai fushin) - Weak economic performance
• 経済危機 (Keizai kiki) - Crise econômica
• 経済安定 (Keizai antei) - Estabilidade econômica