Meaning and Usage
"不況" (ふきょう) refers to an economic recession or slump, a period when economic activity slows down, leading to reduced business profits and increased unemployment. It is a formal term often used in news, business, and economic contexts.
Common Collocations
- 不況の影響 (ふきょうのえいきょう): the impact of the recession
- 不況対策 (ふきょうたいさく): measures against recession
- 不況でも (ふきょうでも): even during a recession
These collocations help express cause, response, or contrast related to economic downturns.
Register and Nuance
The word is formal and typically appears in written or formal spoken Japanese, such as news reports, business discussions, and academic texts. It is not used in casual conversation unless discussing serious economic topics.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 不況 with 景気 (けいき), which means the general economic condition or business climate. 不況 specifically means a downturn or recession, so be careful to use 不況 when referring to negative economic periods.