At the A1 level, you don't need to use '経済的に' (keizai-teki ni) often. It is a big word! Instead, you usually say 'お金' (okane - money). For example, instead of 'I am financially struggling,' an A1 student would say 'お金がありません' (I don't have money). However, it is good to recognize the first part '経済' (keizai), which means 'economy.' Think of it as a word for 'about money' in a serious way. You might see it on signs or in simple news headlines. Just remember: Keizai = Economy. The '-teki ni' part makes it mean 'in an economic way.'
At the A2 level, you are starting to use more descriptive words. '経済的に' (keizai-teki ni) is a useful way to explain *why* you can or cannot do something. Instead of just saying 'I'm busy,' you can say 'It's difficult economically' (経済的に難しいです - Keizai-teki ni muzukashii desu). This sounds a bit more grown-up. You should also learn the noun '経済' (economy) and the adjective '経済的な' (economic/economical). At this level, focus on using it to describe your personal situation in simple sentences about jobs or moving to a new city.
B1 is the level where '経済的に' (keizai-teki ni) becomes a key vocabulary item. You should be able to use it to discuss social issues, personal goals, and business basics. You will use it to modify verbs like 'support' (shien suru) or 'become independent' (jiritsu suru). You are moving beyond just talking about 'cash' and starting to talk about 'financial systems.' You should understand that this word provides an objective viewpoint. For example, 'Economically, this plan is good, but environmentally, it is bad.' This kind of comparison is perfect for B1 learners.
At B2, you should use '経済的に' (keizai-teki ni) fluently in debates and professional writing. You should distinguish it from '財政的に' (zaisei-teki ni - fiscally) and '金銭的に' (kinsen-teki ni - monetarily). You will encounter it in complex texts about global markets, government policy, and sociological trends. You should be able to use it in the middle of long sentences to qualify your statements. For example: 'While the country is growing culturally, it is lagging behind economically.' You should also be comfortable with the noun-modifying form '経済的な' in formal reports.
C1 learners use '経済的に' (keizai-teki ni) to discuss nuance and abstract theories. You might use it when talking about 'economic rationality' (経済的な合理性) or 'economic sanctions' (経済的な制裁). At this level, the word is used to frame entire arguments. You should be able to detect the tone of the speaker—whether they are being cold and analytical or expressing concern about a financial crisis. You will also see it used in literature to describe a character's background or the atmosphere of a historical period. Your usage should be precise and varied.
At the C2 level, '経済的に' (keizai-teki ni) is a basic tool used in high-level discourse. You use it effortlessly in academic papers, legal documents, and top-tier business negotiations. You understand its historical etymology and how it fits into the broader Japanese vocabulary of social sciences. You can use it to discuss the 'economic implications' of philosophical shifts or technological breakthroughs. At this level, you might also use it ironically or metaphorically in sophisticated conversation. You have a complete grasp of all related collocations and can switch between 'Keizai-teki', 'Zaisei-teki', and 'Kinyu-teki' with perfect accuracy.

経済的に in 30 Sekunden

  • Means 'economically' or 'financially'.
  • Formed from 経済 (economy) + 的 (suffix) + に (particle).
  • Used in both personal and macro-economic contexts.
  • Commonly paired with verbs like 'support' or 'become independent'.

The term 経済的に (keizai-teki ni) is a versatile Japanese adverb that functions as the equivalent of 'economically' or 'financially' in English. It is composed of three distinct parts: keizai (economy), teki (a suffix similar to '-al' or '-ic' that transforms a noun into a na-adjective), and ni (the particle that converts the adjective into an adverb). Understanding this word requires looking at it through the lens of both macro-level systems and micro-level personal finances.

Financial Independence
Often used in the phrase 'keizai-teki ni jiritsu suru', meaning to be self-sufficient without relying on parents or the state.
Systemic Analysis
Used when discussing the impact of policies or global events on a nation's wealth or market stability.
Cost-Effectiveness
Describes whether a specific choice makes sense from a monetary standpoint, regardless of emotional or social factors.

「彼は経済的に自立している。」

(He is financially independent.)

In a broader sense, this word allows speakers to isolate the financial aspect of a situation from other considerations like ethics, aesthetics, or emotions. For instance, a project might be 'artistically successful' but 'economically a failure.' By using 経済的に, you are setting a specific boundary for your evaluation. It is a high-frequency word in news broadcasts, business meetings, and serious family discussions regarding budgets or future planning.

「この計画は経済的に合理的だ。」

(This plan is economically rational.)
The Suffix -teki
This suffix is essential for B1 learners. It acts as a bridge between abstract nouns and descriptive modifiers.
Adverbial 'ni'
Without 'ni', 'keizai-teki' is an adjective. With 'ni', it modifies verbs or the entire sentence structure.

経済的に困難な状況にある。」

(Being in a financially difficult situation.)

「日本は経済的に大きな影響を受けた。」

(Japan was significantly affected economically.)

経済的に余裕がない。」

(I can't afford it financially / No financial leeway.)

Using 経済的に correctly involves understanding its placement in a sentence and the types of words it typically modifies. As an adverb, it most frequently modifies verbs related to change, status, or decision-making. It can also modify adjectives that describe a state of being, such as 'difficult' (konnan) or 'rich' (yutaka).

  • Modifying Verbs: When you want to say something is happening in a financial sense.
    Example: 経済的に支援する (To support financially).
  • Modifying Adjectives: When describing a state.
    Example: 経済的に苦しい (Financially tight/struggling).
  • Sentence Initial: To set the topic of the sentence as being about money.
    Example: 経済的に言えば、これは不可能です。(Economically speaking, this is impossible.)

One of the most common structures for B1 learners to master is the 'A-teki ni B' pattern. Here, 'A' is the domain (Economy) and 'B' is the action or state. This pattern is incredibly productive in Japanese. You can swap 'Keizai' for 'Seiji' (Politics) or 'Bunka' (Culture) to create similar adverbs. However, 経済的に is perhaps the most common in daily life because it touches on survival, jobs, and lifestyle choices.

Sample Dialogue

A: 新しい車を買うの? (Are you buying a new car?)

B: うーん、今は経済的にちょっと無理かな。 (Hmm, I think it's financially a bit impossible right now.)

In this dialogue, Speaker B uses the word to politely decline or explain a limitation without needing to go into specific details about their bank balance. It sounds more formal and objective than simply saying 'I don't have money' (Okane ga nai).

You will encounter 経済的に in a variety of settings, ranging from formal news reports to casual but serious conversations. Its versatility is its strength. In the news, it is used to describe the state of the nation or global markets. In a household, it might be used when discussing the feasibility of a child's university education or a major purchase like a house.

1. News and Media

News anchors frequently use this term to summarize the impact of inflation, tax changes, or international trade deals. You might hear: 'The region is keizai-teki ni unstable.' This provides a professional tone that focuses on data and trends.

2. Business Environments

In meetings, managers use it to justify decisions. 'We should choose this vendor because it is keizai-teki ni advantageous.' Here, it implies a cost-benefit analysis has been performed. It is a key word for anyone working in a Japanese corporate environment.

3. Academic and Social Science

Sociologists and historians use the term to explain the motivations behind human migration or historical conflicts. 'They moved keizai-teki na riyuu de (for economic reasons).' This usage is slightly more formal, often appearing in textbooks and lectures.

4. Personal Life and Counseling

When people talk to financial planners or therapists about stress, the word often comes up. 'I am keizai-teki ni worried about the future.' It helps the speaker categorize their anxiety as specifically related to money rather than health or relationships.

While 経済的に is straightforward, learners often make a few specific errors regarding its nuance and grammar. The most common mistake is confusing it with words that mean 'cheap' or 'frugal'.

  • Confusing with 'Setsuyaku' (節約): Learners often say 'Keizai-teki ni' when they mean they are trying to save money. While related, 'Setsuyaku' is the act of saving. 'Keizai-teki ni' is the perspective of the economy.
    Incorrect: 経済的にパンを買います (I buy bread economically - meaning to save money).
    Correct: 節約のためにパンを買います (I buy bread to save money).
  • Overusing the suffix: Some learners attach '-teki ni' to every noun to sound smart. While 'Keizai-teki ni' is natural, 'Food-teki ni' (shokuji-teki ni) is not. Stick to established '-teki' words.
  • Misplacing the Particle: Remember that 'ni' is for adverbs. If you are modifying a noun directly, you must use 'na'.
    Incorrect: 経済的に理由 (Economic reason).
    Correct: 経済的な理由 (Economic reason).
  • Nuance of 'Economical': In English, an 'economical car' means it uses less fuel. In Japanese, you would use 'nenpi ga ii' (good fuel efficiency) or 'keizaiteki na kuruma'. However, 'keizai-teki ni' (adverb) doesn't fit well there; you'd use the adjective form.

Another mistake is using it in contexts that are too casual. While not 'stiff', it is a serious word. Using it to talk about buying a 100-yen snack might sound overly dramatic or sarcastic unless you are intentionally being funny about your budget.

Japanese has several words that overlap with 経済的に. Knowing the difference will help you reach a higher level of fluency.

財政的に (Zaisei-teki ni)
This specifically refers to 'fiscal' or 'financial' matters, often related to government budgets or large organizations. Use this when talking about taxes, national debt, or corporate treasury. It is more specialized than 'Keizai-teki ni'.
金銭的に (Kinsen-teki ni)
This is very close to 'Keizai-teki ni' but focuses strictly on 'cash' or 'money' (kinsen). It is often used in legal or very literal contexts. 'Kinsen-teki na torahiki' (a monetary transaction).
家計的に (Kakei-teki ni)
This refers specifically to 'household finances'. If you are talking about your family's budget, this is a more precise word than the broad 'Keizai-teki ni'.
安上がり (Yasu-agari)
This means 'cheap' or 'costing little'. If you want to say a meal was 'economical' in the sense of being a bargain, use this instead of the more academic 'Keizai-teki ni'.

Summary: Use 'Keizai-teki ni' for general economic/financial perspectives. Use 'Zaisei' for government/corporate finances, and 'Kinsen' for literal cash matters.

How Formal Is It?

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

~的 (Suffix for forming na-adjectives)

~に (Adverbial marker)

~ために (Purpose)

~node (Reason)

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

経済は大切です。

The economy is important.

Using the noun 'Keizai' (economy) with the topic marker 'wa'.

2

日本は経済的に強いですか?

Is Japan economically strong?

A simple question using the adverb to modify 'tsuyoi' (strong).

3

経済の本を読みます。

I read a book about the economy.

Using 'Keizai' as a noun modifier with 'no'.

4

経済的に自立したいです。

I want to be financially independent.

Using 'tai' (want to) with the verb 'jiritsu suru'.

5

今は経済的に大変です。

It's financially tough right now.

Modifying the adjective 'taihen' (tough/difficult).

6

経済的に余裕があります。

I have financial leeway.

The phrase 'yoyuu ga aru' means to have room or leeway.

7

彼は経済的に成功しました。

He succeeded economically.

Modifying the verb 'seikou suru' (to succeed).

8

経済的に困っています。

I am in financial trouble.

Using 'te-iru' form to show a continuing state of trouble.

1

将来、経済的に自立することが目標です。

My goal is to become financially independent in the future.

Using 'koto' to turn the verb phrase into a noun.

2

この国は経済的に発展しています。

This country is developing economically.

Modifying 'hatten shite iru' (is developing).

3

経済的に苦しいので、旅行に行けません。

I can't go on a trip because it's financially tight.

Using 'node' to explain a reason.

4

彼は経済的に恵まれています。

He is financially blessed (wealthy).

The verb 'megumareru' means to be blessed with something.

5

経済的に合理的な選択をしましょう。

Let's make an economically rational choice.

Using 'mashou' for a suggestion.

6

その会社は経済的に不安定です。

That company is financially unstable.

Modifying 'fuantei' (unstable).

7

経済的に見て、この家は安いです。

Looking at it economically, this house is cheap.

The phrase 'mite' (looking at) adds perspective.

8

彼女は経済的に両親を助けています。

She is helping her parents financially.

Modifying 'tasukete iru' (is helping).

1

経済的に自立するためには、まず仕事を探すべきだ。

To become financially independent, you should first look for a job.

Using 'tame ni' (in order to) and 'beki' (should).

2

このプロジェクトは経済的に大きなメリットがある。

This project has significant economic benefits.

Modifying 'ookina meritto' (big benefit).

3

経済的に困窮している家庭への支援が必要です。

Support for families who are financially destitute is necessary.

Using 'konkyuu' (destitution), a more formal B1 word.

4

物価が上がると、経済的に生活が厳しくなる。

When prices rise, life becomes financially difficult.

Using the conditional 'to' (when/if).

5

経済的に豊かになっても、幸せとは限らない。

Even if you become wealthy, it doesn't necessarily mean you're happy.

Using 'tomo kagiranai' (not necessarily).

6

彼は経済的に非常に成功したが、健康を害した。

He was very successful financially, but he ruined his health.

Using 'hijou ni' (extremely) for emphasis.

7

経済的に見て、今の時期に家を買うのは得策ではない。

Economically speaking, buying a house at this time is not a good move.

Using 'tokusaku' (a good plan/move).

8

奨学金のおかげで、経済的に助かりました。

Thanks to the scholarship, I was helped financially.

Using 'okage de' (thanks to).

1

政府は経済的に打撃を受けた企業を救済する方針だ。

The government plans to bail out companies that have taken an economic hit.

Using 'dageki' (blow/hit) and 'kyuusai' (relief/bailout).

2

経済的に不平等な社会は、不安定になりやすい。

Societies that are economically unequal tend to become unstable.

Using 'yasui' (easy to/tend to).

3

その国は経済的に孤立している。

That country is economically isolated.

Using 'koritsu' (isolation).

4

経済的に合理的な判断を下すことが求められている。

Making economically rational judgments is required.

Passive form 'motomerarete iru' (is required).

5

彼女の活動は、経済的に持続可能なモデルに基づいている。

Her activities are based on an economically sustainable model.

Using 'jizoku kanou' (sustainable).

6

経済的に困窮した人々へのセーフティネットを強化すべきだ。

The safety net for people in financial distress should be strengthened.

Using 'kyouka' (strengthen).

7

この地域は経済的に観光業に依存している。

This region is economically dependent on tourism.

Using 'izon' (dependence).

8

経済的に見て、この投資はリスクが高すぎる。

From an economic perspective, this investment is too risky.

Using 'risuku' (risk).

1

経済的に困窮する層が増加しており、社会問題となっている。

The number of people in financial distress is increasing, becoming a social issue.

Formal verb 'zouka' (increase).

2

経済的に自立した女性の増加が、消費パターンを変えている。

The increase in financially independent women is changing consumption patterns.

Using 'shouhi patan' (consumption pattern).

3

その政策は経済的に見て、長期的には逆効果になる可能性がある。

From an economic standpoint, that policy may have the opposite effect in the long run.

Using 'gyaku-kouka' (opposite effect).

4

経済的に困窮しているからといって、犯罪が正当化されるわけではない。

Just because someone is in financial distress doesn't mean crime is justified.

Using 'kara to itte... wake dewa nai' (just because... doesn't mean).

5

経済的に繁栄している都市ほど、格差が顕著になる傾向がある。

Prosperous cities tend to have more pronounced inequality.

Using 'kencho' (pronounced/noticeable).

6

経済的に優位に立つために、企業は技術革新を急いでいる。

To gain an economic advantage, companies are rushing technological innovation.

Using 'yuui' (advantage/superiority).

7

経済的に困窮した結果、教育の機会を奪われる子供たちがいる。

As a result of financial distress, some children are deprived of educational opportunities.

Using 'ubawareru' (to be deprived of).

8

経済的に見て、この合併は双方にとって有益である。

Economically speaking, this merger is beneficial for both parties.

Using 'yuueki' (beneficial).

1

経済的に困窮した国家が、他国からの介入を招くのは歴史の常である。

It is a historical constant that economically distressed nations invite intervention from others.

Using 'rekishi no tsune' (a historical constant).

2

経済的に見て、この事象はマクロ経済学的な視点から分析されるべきだ。

Economically, this phenomenon should be analyzed from a macroeconomic perspective.

Using 'makuro keizaigaku-teki' (macroeconomic).

3

経済的に困窮した状況下での、人間の心理的変化を考察する。

We will examine the psychological changes in humans under conditions of financial distress.

Using 'joukyou-ka' (under the circumstances).

4

経済的に自立することは、個人の尊厳を守るための最低条件である。

Financial independence is the minimum condition for protecting an individual's dignity.

Using 'songen' (dignity).

5

経済的に見て、この資源の枯渇は世界経済に壊滅的な打撃を与えるだろう。

Economically, the depletion of this resource will deal a devastating blow to the global economy.

Using 'kaimetsu-teki' (devastating/catastrophic).

6

経済的に優位な立場を利用して、不当な要求を突きつける。

To use an economically superior position to make unfair demands.

Using 'tsukitsukeru' (to thrust/demand forcefully).

7

経済的に見て、この法案の可決は市場に混乱を招く恐れがある。

Economically, the passing of this bill risks causing chaos in the market.

Using 'osore ga aru' (there is a fear/risk that).

8

経済的に困窮した地域を再生させるためには、抜本的な改革が必要だ。

Drastic reforms are needed to revitalize economically distressed areas.

Using 'bappon-teki' (drastic/radical).

Häufige Kollokationen

経済的に自立する (become independent)
経済的に苦しい (financially tight)
経済的に豊か (wealthy)
経済的に支援する (support)
経済的に困窮する (destitute)
経済的に余裕がある (have leeway)
経済的に合理的な (rational)
経済的に不安定 (unstable)
経済的に恵まれる (blessed/wealthy)
経済的に見て (from a perspective)

Häufige Phrasen

経済的に自立する
経済的に苦しい
経済的に余裕がない
経済的に恵まれている
経済的に困難な
経済的に大きな影響
経済的に見て
経済的に安定している
経済的に破綻する
経済的に成功する

Wird oft verwechselt mit

経済的に vs 節約 (Setsuyaku - saving money)

経済的に vs 安い (Yasui - cheap)

経済的に vs 財政 (Zaisei - fiscal/government finance)

Leicht verwechselbar

経済的に vs 経済的な

Adjective form used to modify nouns directly.

経済的に vs 経済学

The study of economics.

経済的に vs 景気

The state of the economy (boom/bust).

Satzmuster

Wortfamilie

Verwandt

経済学 (keizaigaku - economics)

So verwendest du es

nuance

Focuses on the 'system' or 'status' of money rather than the physical cash.

formality

Suitable for both polite speech and formal writing.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using 'keizai-teki ni' to mean 'cheaply' in a casual shopping context.
  • Forgetting the 'ni' when modifying a verb.
  • Confusing it with 'zaisei-teki ni' (fiscal/government).
  • Using it to describe a person's personality (it's for their status, not character).
  • Writing the kanji for 'keizai' incorrectly (it's a common mistake even for natives).

Tipps

Contextual Choice

Use 'keizai-teki ni' when you want to sound professional or objective about money matters.

Suffix Power

Mastering '-teki ni' allows you to create adverbs from many nouns like 'seiji' (politics) or 'shakai' (society).

Polite Euphemism

It's a great way to talk about being broke without using the word 'binbou' (poor), which can be too strong.

Justification

In meetings, use it to justify why a project should be approved based on budget.

JLPT Tip

This word often appears in N3 and N2 reading sections related to social issues.

Natural Flow

Start a sentence with 'Keizai-teki ni iu to...' (Economically speaking...) to sound like a native speaker.

Formal Reports

Always use the kanji 経済 instead of hiragana in formal writing.

News Keywords

When you hear 'keizai-teki ni', prepare to hear about growth, decline, or stability.

The 'Tech' of Money

Think of it as the 'technical' way to talk about money.

Word Pairs

Memorize it with 'jiritsu' (independence) as they are almost always used together.

Einprägen

Wortherkunft

The word 'Keizai' comes from the classical Chinese phrase 'Keiseisaimin' (経世済民), meaning 'governing the world and saving the people.'

Kultureller Kontext

More formal than 'okane no koto de'.

Very high in media and business.

Often used to discuss the declining birthrate (shoushika) and its economic causes.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"最近、経済的に自立することについてどう思いますか?"

"経済的に見て、今の日本はどうだと思いますか?"

"将来、経済的に余裕ができたら何をしたいですか?"

"経済的に合理的な生活を送るための秘訣は何ですか?"

"子供の教育には、経済的にどのくらいの支援が必要でしょうか?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

私が経済的に自立するために必要なことは何ですか?

経済的に見て、私の今の生活は安定していますか?

もし経済的に全く心配がなくなったら、何をしますか?

経済的に成功することと、幸せであることの違いは何だと思いますか?

最近の経済的なニュースで、一番気になったことは何ですか?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Not exactly. While 'keizai-teki na' can mean 'economical' (efficient), 'keizai-teki ni' usually means 'from a financial perspective.' To say something is cheap, use 'yasui'.

Yes, you can say 'Keizai-teki ni yoyuu ga nai' to mean you don't have much money in your account right now.

Yes, 'kinsen-teki ni' is more literal about 'cash,' while 'keizai-teki ni' is broader, covering wealth, jobs, and systems.

Use 'keizai-teki ni jiritsu suru'.

Yes, it is very common in adult Japanese, especially in news and business.

Yes, 'Keizai-teki ni shiawase' (financially happy/well-off) is possible, though 'yutaka' (rich/prosperous) is more common.

Yes, 'keizai ni' would mean 'to the economy,' which is different.

The most common contrast is 'seishin-teki ni' (spiritually/mentally).

It's a bit advanced for young children, but teenagers would definitely know and use it.

It sounds objective. If you are talking about a sad situation, it might sound a bit detached, like a doctor or analyst.

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