Meaning and Usage
"好況" (こうきょう) refers specifically to a state of economic prosperity or a booming economy. It is a formal term often used in business, economics, and news contexts to describe periods when economic indicators such as production, employment, and consumption are strong.
Common Contexts
You will frequently encounter "好況" in discussions about market trends, company performance, and government economic reports. It contrasts with "不況" (ふきょう), meaning recession or economic downturn.
Collocations and Patterns
- 好況が続く: prosperity continues
- 好況にある: to be in a prosperous state
- 好況と不況: prosperity and recession (economic cycle)
Register and Nuance
"好況" is a formal, somewhat technical term. It is not used in casual conversation but appears in written reports, news articles, and formal speeches.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "好況" with "好調" (こうちょう), which means "good condition" but is more general and can apply to various contexts beyond economics. Remember that "好況" specifically relates to economic prosperity.