Meaning and Usage
"不景気" (ふけいき) refers to a period of economic downturn, commonly translated as recession or depression. It is often used in business and economic contexts to describe hard times when the economy is struggling.
Common Contexts
This word frequently appears in news reports, business discussions, and government announcements. It implies a negative economic environment affecting companies, employment, and salaries.
Collocations and Patterns
- 不景気になる: to enter a recession
- 不景気の影響: the impact of the recession
- 不景気対策: measures to combat the recession
Register and Nuance
"不景気" is a formal term used in written and spoken Japanese, especially in news and official contexts. It is not casual slang but is widely understood.
Learner Tips
A common confusion is mixing "不景気" with "景気" (けいき), which means economic prosperity. Remember that the prefix "不" negates the meaning, so "不景気" means bad economic conditions. Use it when discussing economic decline or hardship.