景気
景気 in 30 Seconds
- Keiki refers to the current state of the economy and market sentiment.
- It is commonly used with 'ii' (good) and 'warui' (bad) to describe business conditions.
- Beyond finance, it describes the liveliness of a place or a person's generous behavior.
- Key terms include 'fukeiki' (recession) and 'keiki-zuke' (boosting morale).
The Japanese word 景気 (けいき - keiki) is a multifaceted term that primarily describes the state of the economy or business conditions. However, its roots and daily usage extend far beyond mere financial spreadsheets. At its core, keiki refers to the 'energy' or 'vibrancy' of a situation, specifically in a commercial or social context. When you hear a Japanese person say 景気がいい (keiki ga ii), they aren't just saying the GDP is up; they are saying that money is flowing, people are spending, and there is a palpable sense of optimism in the air.
- Etymology
- The first kanji 景 (kei) means 'view,' 'scene,' or 'sunlight.' The second kanji 気 (ki) means 'spirit,' 'energy,' or 'atmosphere.' Together, they literally translate to the 'atmosphere of the scene.'
"最近、この辺りの商店街は景気が良さそうだ。" (Recently, the shopping district around here seems to have a good business atmosphere.)
Historically, the term was used to describe the beauty of a landscape or the atmosphere of a party. Over time, it shifted toward the economic realm. In modern Japanese, it serves as the standard word for 'business climate.' Unlike the word keizai (経済), which refers to the formal system of economy, keiki is more about the 'feeling' of the market. It is subjective and experiential. If a restaurant is full and the staff are shouting orders energetically, one might say the restaurant has good keiki, even if the national economy is struggling.
- Social Implication
- Being 'keiki ga ii' can also describe a person who is acting generously or flamboyantly, often because they have recently come into money.
"彼は景気よくみんなにビールを奢った。" (He generously/cheerfully treated everyone to beer.)
Understanding keiki is crucial for navigating Japanese social and professional life. It bridges the gap between cold economic data and the warm reality of human interaction. Whether discussing the global market or the local festival, this word captures the pulse of activity. It is the difference between a silent street and a bustling bazaar.
"景気の波に乗る。" (To ride the wave of the economic boom.)
- Market Sentiment
- In financial news, you will see keiki paired with terms like 'recovery' (回復), 'recession' (後退), or 'stagnation' (低迷).
"景気が悪くなると、みんな財布の紐を締める。" (When the economy gets bad, everyone tightens their purse strings.)
Using 景気 (keiki) correctly requires understanding its common collocations and the specific contexts in which it appears. It is most frequently used with the adjectives いい (ii - good) and 悪い (warui - bad). However, the grammatical flexibility of the word allows it to function as a noun, a prefix, or part of a compound verb phrase.
- Common Adjective Pairings
- 1. 景気がいい (Prosperous/Lively)
2. 景気が悪い (Sluggish/Depressed)
3. 景気が不透明 (Uncertain outlook)
"今はあまり景気が良くないから、投資は控えたほうがいい。" (Since the economy isn't very good right now, it's better to hold off on investing.)
When you want to describe the act of stimulating the economy or livening up a party, you use the verb つける (tsukeru - to attach/apply). The phrase 景気をつける (keiki o tsukeru) means to boost morale or add some excitement to a situation. This is often heard at festivals or before a big project starts.
- Business Compounds
- 景気循環 (Keiki junkan) - Business cycle
景気対策 (Keiki taisaku) - Economic measures
景気動向指数 (Keiki doukou shisuu) - Diffusion Index (DI)
"政府は新しい景気対策を打ち出した。" (The government launched new economic measures.)
In a more casual setting, keiki can describe a person's vibe. If someone is being very loud, happy, and spending money freely, you can say 景気がいいね! (Keiki ga ii ne!). It’s a way of saying 'You're on a roll!' or 'You're looking prosperous!' This usage is very common in izakayas (Japanese pubs) or among friends.
"ボーナスが入ったからって、ずいぶん景気がいいね。" (You're acting quite prosperous just because you got your bonus.)
- Formal Usage
- In news reports, you will hear 'Keiki wa kanyaku shiteiru' (景気は緩やかに回復している), meaning the economy is recovering moderately.
You will encounter 景気 (keiki) in three primary environments: the news, the workplace, and social gatherings. Each context uses the word with a slightly different flavor, ranging from clinical economic analysis to boisterous social commentary.
- 1. Mass Media and News
- Every morning and evening, news anchors discuss the 'Keiki handan' (景気判断 - economic assessment). They use charts to show if the keiki is rising or falling.
"今日のニュースでは、景気の先行きに懸念が示された。" (In today's news, concerns were shown regarding the future of the economy.)
In the business world, keiki is the topic of choice for small talk. Before a meeting starts, it is common to ask, 最近、景気はどうですか? (Saikin, keiki wa dou desu ka? - How is business lately?). This is a standard greeting between business partners, similar to 'How's it going?' but specifically focused on their industry's health.
- 2. Retail and Shopping
- Shopkeepers often complain about 'Keiki ga warui' when foot traffic is low. Conversely, during sales or holidays, they might celebrate the 'Keiki no yosa' (goodness of business).
"商店街に活気が戻り、景気が上向いてきた。" (Liveliness returned to the shopping street, and the economy started looking up.)
The third context is the 'Keiki-zuke' (景気づけ). This is heard at parties or festivals. If a group of people is about to do something difficult, someone might shout, 景気づけに一杯行こう! (Keiki-zuke ni ippai ikou! - Let's have a drink to liven things up!). Here, keiki has nothing to do with the stock market and everything to do with group morale.
"お祭りの太鼓の音が、街の景気を良くしている。" (The sound of the festival drums is making the town feel more lively.)
- 3. Political Speeches
- Politicians constantly promise 'Keiki kaifuku' (景気回復 - economic recovery) to win votes. It is one of the most used words in Japanese Diet sessions.
While 景気 (keiki) is a common word, learners often confuse it with other 'ki' (気) words or use it in contexts where 'keizai' (経済) would be more appropriate. Understanding these pitfalls will help you sound more like a native speaker.
- Mistake 1: Keiki vs. Keizai
- Learners often use keiki when they mean the entire economic system. Keizai is the system; keiki is the condition of that system.
Incorrect: 日本の景気は複雑なシステムです。 (The 'keiki' of Japan is a complex system.)
Correct: 日本の経済は複雑なシステムです。 (The 'keizai' of Japan is a complex system.)
Another common error is using keiki to describe personal mood. If you are feeling happy, you should use 気分がいい (kibun ga ii) or 機嫌がいい (kigen ga ii). Using keiki ga ii for yourself makes it sound like you are talking about your financial prosperity or that you are acting like a 'big spender.'
- Mistake 2: Overusing 'Keiki ga ii'
- In formal business reports, simply saying 'ii' is often too casual. Professionals use 'joukyou ga kaizen shiteiru' (the situation is improving) or 'keiki ga uwamuku' (the economy is trending upward).
"景気がいい" is great for conversation, but "景気が拡大している" is better for a presentation.
Lastly, be careful with the phrase 景気払い (keiki-barai). This isn't a standard term; the correct term for 'doing something to change one's luck/mood' is often kibun-tenkan or specifically keiki-zuke for boosting energy. Using the wrong suffix can lead to confusion.
"景気" (Economy) vs "ケーキ" (Cake). Be careful with your vowel length!
To truly master 景気 (keiki), you must distinguish it from its synonyms and related terms. Each word carries a specific weight and is used in different social or professional strata.
- 1. 経済 (Keizai)
- Meaning: Economy. This is the broadest term. It refers to the system of production, distribution, and consumption. While keiki is the 'weather' of the economy, keizai is the 'climate.'
"経済学を勉強する。" (To study economics.) - You wouldn't study 'keiki-gaku.'
Next is 活気 (kakki - liveliness/vigor). This is often confused with keiki because both describe energy. However, kakki is purely about the physical energy of a place, like a crowded market or a loud classroom. It doesn't necessarily imply money is changing hands.
- 2. 市況 (Shikyou)
- Meaning: Market conditions. This is a more technical term used by traders and investors. It refers to the specific state of the stock or commodity markets at a given moment.
"株式市況をチェックする。" (To check the stock market conditions.)
Another related term is 商売 (shoubai - business/trade). While keiki is the environment, shoubai is the act. You might say 'Keiki ga warui kara, shoubai ga umaku ikanai' (Because the economy is bad, my business isn't going well).
- 3. 状況 (Joukyou)
- Meaning: Situation/Circumstances. This is a very general word. If you aren't sure if a situation is 'economic' enough for keiki, joukyou is the safe, neutral choice.
"不景気" (Fukeiki - Recession/Depression). This is the most common antonym-based noun used in daily life.
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
~そうです (Appearance)
~くなる (Change of state)
~ために (Purpose)
~によって (Due to)
~局面 (Phase/Situation)
Examples by Level
景気がいいですね。
Business is good, isn't it?
Noun + ga + Adjective
景気が悪いです。
Business is bad.
Simple negative state.
最近、景気はどうですか?
How is business lately?
Standard greeting.
景気がいいお店です。
It is a lively/prosperous shop.
Modifying a noun.
景気がよくなりました。
The economy has become better.
Verb 'naru' indicating change.
景気が悪いから、買いません。
Because the economy is bad, I won't buy it.
Using 'kara' for reason.
景気がいい話をしましょう。
Let's talk about something cheerful/prosperous.
Using 'keiki' for mood.
ここは景気がいいですね!
This place is lively!
Exclamatory usage.
不景気なので、旅行を諦めました。
Because of the recession, I gave up on the trip.
Using 'fukeiki' (recession).
景気が回復するといいですね。
I hope the economy recovers.
Verb 'kaifuku' (recover).
景気のいい音楽をかけましょう。
Let's play some upbeat/lively music.
Using 'keiki' to describe music energy.
彼はいつも景気がいいことを言います。
He always says optimistic/big things.
Describing a person's speech.
景気が悪くなると、仕事が減ります。
When the economy gets bad, work decreases.
Conditional 'to'.
景気づけに、美味しいものを食べよう。
To cheer ourselves up, let's eat something delicious.
Compound 'keiki-zuke'.
町の景気はどうですか?
How is the town's business climate?
Possessive 'no'.
景気がいい時に家を買いたいです。
I want to buy a house when the economy is good.
Temporal 'toki'.
政府は景気を良くするために減税を検討している。
The government is considering tax cuts to improve the economy.
Purpose 'tame ni'.
景気後退の兆しが見え始めています。
Signs of an economic downturn are starting to appear.
Compound 'keiki koutai'.
景気が冷え込むと、消費が落ち込みます。
When the economy cools down, consumption drops.
Metaphorical 'hiekomu' (cool down).
景気づけの一杯を飲みに行きませんか?
Shall we go for a drink to liven things up?
Social idiom.
景気の変動は、私たちの生活に直結している。
Fluctuations in the economy are directly linked to our lives.
Noun 'hendou' (fluctuation).
この業界は今、非常に景気がいい。
This industry is very prosperous right now.
Specifying an industry.
景気が上向くのを待つしかありません。
We have no choice but to wait for the economy to pick up.
Verb 'uwamuku' (turn upward).
景気の影響で、ボーナスがカットされた。
Due to the state of the economy, bonuses were cut.
Cause 'no eikyou de'.
景気動向指数が、景気の拡大を示唆している。
The business condition index suggests an economic expansion.
Technical term 'doukou shisuu'.
景気が過熱すると、インフレの懸念が高まる。
When the economy overheats, concerns about inflation rise.
Verb 'kanetsu' (overheat).
世界的な不景気が、輸出産業に打撃を与えた。
The global recession dealt a blow to the export industry.
Compound 'sekaiteki na fukeiki'.
景気の底を打ったという見方が広がっている。
The view that the economy has hit bottom is spreading.
Idiom 'soko o utsu'.
景気対策として、公共事業が追加された。
Public works were added as an economic measure.
Role 'toshite'.
景気の先行きについては、楽観視できない。
We cannot be optimistic about the future of the economy.
Noun 'sakiyuki' (future outlook).
景気循環の波を予測するのは難しい。
It is difficult to predict the waves of the business cycle.
Compound 'keiki junkan'.
彼は景気よく大金を寄付した。
He generously donated a large sum of money.
Adverbial use 'keiki yoku'.
景気判断を上方修正したことが、市場に好感された。
The upward revision of the economic assessment was welcomed by the market.
Formal 'jouhou shuusei'.
景気の低迷が長期化し、構造改革が急務となっている。
The economic stagnation has become prolonged, making structural reform urgent.
Noun 'teimei' (stagnation).
景気刺激策の効果が、ようやく数字に表れてきた。
The effects of the economic stimulus package are finally showing in the numbers.
Compound 'keiki shigeki saku'.
景気の浮沈は、政権の命運を左右する。
The ups and downs of the economy dictate the fate of the administration.
Noun 'fuchin' (ups and downs).
景気後退局面に入ったとの認識が共有された。
The recognition that we have entered a recessionary phase was shared.
Noun 'kyokumen' (phase).
景気の実態を把握するために、多角的な分析が必要だ。
Multifaceted analysis is necessary to grasp the actual state of the economy.
Noun 'jittai' (actual state).
景気の気は「気持ち」の気だと言われることもある。
It is sometimes said that the 'ki' in 'keiki' is the 'ki' of 'feelings.'
Philosophical explanation.
景気よく振る舞うことで、周囲に安心感を与える。
By acting prosperously/cheerfully, one gives a sense of security to those around them.
Social strategy.
景気の循環的変動と構造的要因を切り離して考えるべきだ。
We should separate the cyclical fluctuations of the economy from structural factors.
Academic 'junkanteki hendou'.
景気後退の蓋然性が高まっているとの指摘がある。
There are points being made that the probability of a recession is increasing.
High-level 'gaizensei' (probability).
景気の過熱を抑制するための金融引き締め策が導入された。
Monetary tightening measures were introduced to curb the overheating of the economy.
Technical 'kinyuu hikishime'.
景気指標の乖離が、政策立案者を悩ませている。
The divergence of economic indicators is troubling policymakers.
Formal 'kairi' (divergence).
景気の「踊り場」状態から、いつ脱却できるかが焦点だ。
The focus is on when we can break out of the economic 'plateau' state.
Metaphorical 'odoriba' (plateau).
景気の波及効果が地方経済に及ぶまでには時間がかかる。
It takes time for the ripple effects of the economy to reach regional economies.
Compound 'hakyuu eikyou'.
景気の腰折れを防ぐための万全の態勢を整える。
We will prepare a thorough system to prevent the economy from faltering mid-recovery.
Idiom 'koshio-re' (faltering).
景気は心理的側面に大きく左右されるという命題を検証する。
We will verify the proposition that the economy is largely influenced by psychological aspects.
Academic 'meidai' (proposition).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
Keiki is more about the 'flow' and 'energy' than just numbers.
Can be used in all registers.
Tips
Watch the Trends
Use 'Keiki ga uwamuku' when things are getting better and 'Keiki ga shitamuku' when they are getting worse. These directional verbs are very natural.
The Morale Boost
Use 'Keiki-zuke ni...' when you want to suggest a drink or a fun activity to motivate your team. It sounds very encouraging and culturally aware.
Modesty is Key
If someone says your business has 'Keiki ga ii', respond with 'Okagesama de' (Thanks to you) to remain humble, even if you are doing great.
Adverbial Form
You can use 'Keiki yoku' as an adverb. For example, 'Keiki yoku kane o tsukau' means to spend money freely and cheerfully.
News Keywords
In news, listen for 'Keiki no sakiyuki' (the future of the economy). It's the most common phrase used when discussing forecasts.
The Opposite
Don't forget 'Fukeiki'. It's used just as much as 'Keiki' to describe hard times or a lack of customers in a shop.
Festival Vibe
When you see a lively festival, you can say 'Keiki ga ii ne!' to describe the energetic atmosphere and the crowd.
Long Vowels
Make sure the 'ei' in 'Keiki' is long. If you say it too short, it might sound like 'Kiki' (crisis), which is the opposite of what you want!
Kanji Precision
The kanji 景 (scene) is the same as in 'Fuukei' (scenery). Remember that 'Keiki' is the 'scene' of the economy.
Small Talk
Asking about the 'Keiki' of a specific industry is a great way to start a conversation with a professional in that field.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Keiki is like a 'Cake-y' party—if there's lots of cake (money/energy), the keiki is good!
Word Origin
Originally referred to the 'atmosphere of a scene' or landscape beauty in the Edo period.
Cultural Context
The 'Tankan' report by the Bank of Japan is the ultimate 'Keiki' check.
Many Japanese festivals are essentially prayers for 'Keiki kaifuku' (economic recovery).
Always respond modestly when asked about your business's keiki.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"最近の景気についてどう思いますか? (What do you think about the economy lately?)"
"お仕事の景気はどうですか? (How is the business climate in your work?)"
"景気づけに何かしましょうか? (Shall we do something to liven things up?)"
"景気が良くなったら何をしたいですか? (What do you want to do when the economy gets better?)"
"この辺りは景気が良さそうですね。 (This area seems to have a good business vibe.)"
Journal Prompts
今日の景気に関するニュースを要約してください。 (Summarize today's news regarding the economy.)
あなたの国の景気は今どうですか? (How is the economy in your country right now?)
景気が良くなると、あなたの生活はどう変わりますか? (If the economy improves, how will your life change?)
「景気づけ」に自分に何をご褒美としてあげますか? (What do you give yourself as a 'morale boost'?)
不景気の時に大切だと思うことは何ですか? (What do you think is important during a recession?)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'Keiki' is for business or group energy. Use 'Kibun' or 'Kigen' for personal mood. If you say your 'Keiki' is good, people think you are rich.
Keizai is the 'Economy' as a whole system. Keiki is the 'Business Condition' or the current state of that system. You study 'Keizai', but you feel the 'Keiki'.
It means doing something to boost morale or liven up an atmosphere. It is often used for a celebratory drink or a motivational speech.
Yes, but 'Shikyou' is more common for specific market conditions. 'Keiki' is the broader business climate that affects the market.
You can say 'Fukeiki' (bad business) or 'Fukyou' (depression/recession). 'Keiki koutai' is the formal term for a recession.
Yes, 'Keiki no ii hito' describes someone who is cheerful, optimistic, and often generous with money.
It is an 'Economic Assessment' made by the government or banks to describe if the economy is improving or worsening.
Extremely common. You will hear it in daily conversation, news, and business every day in Japan.
You say 'Saikin, keiki wa dou desu ka?' It is a very standard and polite business greeting.
Usually, yes, but it can also refer to the general 'energy' or 'vibe' of a social event like a festival.
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Summary
景気 (Keiki) is the 'vibe' of the economy. While 'Keizai' is the system, 'Keiki' is the feeling of activity. Use it to talk about business trends, the energy of a street, or to liven up a social situation.
- Keiki refers to the current state of the economy and market sentiment.
- It is commonly used with 'ii' (good) and 'warui' (bad) to describe business conditions.
- Beyond finance, it describes the liveliness of a place or a person's generous behavior.
- Key terms include 'fukeiki' (recession) and 'keiki-zuke' (boosting morale).
Watch the Trends
Use 'Keiki ga uwamuku' when things are getting better and 'Keiki ga shitamuku' when they are getting worse. These directional verbs are very natural.
The Morale Boost
Use 'Keiki-zuke ni...' when you want to suggest a drink or a fun activity to motivate your team. It sounds very encouraging and culturally aware.
Modesty is Key
If someone says your business has 'Keiki ga ii', respond with 'Okagesama de' (Thanks to you) to remain humble, even if you are doing great.
Adverbial Form
You can use 'Keiki yoku' as an adverb. For example, 'Keiki yoku kane o tsukau' means to spend money freely and cheerfully.
Example
景気が良いです。
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好況
A1A state of economic prosperity or a period where business conditions are favorable. It is used to describe a 'boom' where trade is active, consumption is high, and employment is stable.
経営
A1Management or administration of a business, shop, or organization. It refers to the strategic planning and day-to-day operation required to keep a business running successfully.
会社
A1A company, corporation, or business enterprise where people work to provide products or services. In a broader sense, it refers to the physical office or the organization itself.
競争
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信用
A1The act of trusting or relying on someone's character, abilities, or financial standing. It often implies a track record of reliability that allows others to believe in future actions or payments.
納品
A1The act of delivering goods or products to a client or customer as part of a business transaction. It specifically refers to handing over completed items that were previously ordered.
流通
A1The process by which goods, services, or money move from producers to consumers within an economy. It also refers to the circulation of information or currency throughout a society.
雇用
A1Koyō refers to the formal act of employing or hiring a person to perform work in exchange for payment. It describes the legal or professional relationship between an employer and an employee.
企業
A1A business organization, enterprise, or corporation that engages in economic activities to produce goods or services for profit. It is a formal term often used when discussing business entities in economic, legal, or professional contexts.