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B1 noun #800 most common 14 min read

経済

keizai Top 800

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 経済 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 経済 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 経済 (keizai) in complex ways. Think of it simply as a word that means 'money things' or 'business' in a very broad sense. You might see it on a sign or in a simple news headline. For now, just remember that 経済 is related to money and how a country works. You can use it in very simple sentences like 'Keizai wa taisetsu desu' (The economy is important). It is a noun, so you treat it like 'apple' or 'car' in a sentence. You don't need to worry about the kanji yet, but recognizing the two characters 経済 will help you identify when a TV show or a book is talking about serious adult topics like money and jobs. At this stage, focus on the fact that it represents the 'big picture' of money, not just the coins in your pocket.

At the A2 level, you can start using 経済 to describe basic situations in your country or the world. You might say 'Nihon no keizai wa dō desu ka?' (How is Japan's economy?). You are beginning to understand that 経済 is a formal word. You might also encounter the adjective form 経済的 (keizaiteki), which means 'economical' or 'financial.' For example, 'keizaiteki na riyuu' means 'financial reasons.' You can use this to explain why you can't do something, like 'Keizaiteki na riyuu de ikemasen' (I can't go for financial reasons). This level is about connecting the word to daily life and basic descriptions of a country's status. You should also start to recognize the kanji 経済 in simple texts and understand that it is a very common word in the news.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 経済 to discuss social issues and personal opinions. You can talk about the 'economic situation' (経済状況 - keizai joukyou) or 'economic growth' (経済成長 - keizai seichou). You should be able to understand news reports that use this word to describe inflation or unemployment. At this level, you can also start to distinguish between 経済 (the system) and 景気 (the business climate/mood). For example, you can say 'Keizai wa antei shite iru ga, keiki wa yoku nai' (The economy is stable, but the business climate isn't good). This shows a deeper understanding of how the word functions in a real-world context. You should also be comfortable using it in written Japanese, such as in a simple essay about your home country's financial state.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 経済 in more complex grammatical structures and professional settings. You should be able to discuss 'economic policies' (経済政策 - keizai seisaku) and their impact on society. You can use patterns like '〜が経済に与える影響' (the influence that ~ has on the economy) to explain cause and effect. You should also be familiar with compound words like 経済協力 (economic cooperation) or 経済制裁 (economic sanctions). At this level, you can participate in debates about global economic trends and understand the nuances of formal business Japanese. You should also be able to read newspaper editorials that analyze the 経済 with a critical eye, recognizing that the word carries historical and political weight.

At the C1 level, your understanding of 経済 should include its historical roots in the phrase 経世済民 (keisei saimin) and how this shapes Japanese economic thought. You can use the word to discuss abstract concepts like 'economic structural reform' (経済構造改革) or 'circular economy' (循環型経済). You should be able to write detailed reports or give presentations using precise economic terminology. Your use of 経済 should be natural and sophisticated, allowing you to navigate high-level academic or corporate environments. You can also understand and use metaphors related to the economy, and you can distinguish between very similar terms like 財政 (public finance) and 金融 (finance) with ease. You are essentially fluent in the 'language of the economy.'

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 経済 and its place in the Japanese lexicon. You can analyze the word's usage in classical texts, modern literature, and specialized academic journals. You can discuss the philosophical implications of economic systems and how the term 経済 has evolved from its original meaning of 'saving the people' to its modern capitalist definition. You can engage in high-level negotiations or academic research where 経済 is the central theme. Your ability to use the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, including the use of rare idioms and highly specific technical terms. You understand the subtle emotional and political connotations the word carries in different social strata of Japanese society.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

経済 in 30 Seconds

Keizai means 'economy' and refers to the system of money and trade.
It comes from a phrase meaning 'governing the world and saving people.'
It is used formally in news, business, and academic contexts.
The adjective form is 'keizaiteki,' meaning economic or economical.

The Japanese word 経済 (けいざい - keizai) is a fundamental term that translates to 'economy' in English. However, its linguistic roots and modern application offer a much deeper insight into how Japanese society views the flow of resources and social welfare. At its core, 経済 refers to the system of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services within a country or region. It encompasses everything from the global stock market and national trade policies to the price of a single apple at a local supermarket. In daily life, you will hear this word constantly on the news, in business meetings, and even in casual conversations about the cost of living. It is a noun that carries significant weight, often acting as a barometer for the health and stability of the nation. When people speak of 経済, they are not just talking about numbers on a spreadsheet; they are talking about the lifeblood of society that determines employment, prosperity, and the quality of life for millions of individuals.

Macro Perspective: Refers to the national or global financial systems, including GDP, inflation rates, and international trade agreements. For example, 'Japan's economy is recovering' (日本の経済は回復している).

最近、世界の経済状況は非常に不安定です。(Recently, the global economic situation has been very unstable.)

Historically, the term 経済 is an abbreviation of the four-character classical Chinese phrase 経世済民 (けいせいさいみん - keisei saimin), which literally means 'governing the world and saving the people.' This historical context is vital because it highlights that the 'economy' was originally viewed as a moral and political responsibility to ensure the well-being of the populace, rather than just a cold calculation of profit and loss. This nuance still lingers in the Japanese consciousness, where economic stability is often linked to social harmony. In modern usage, the word is extremely versatile. It can be used as a standalone noun or combined with other words to form compounds like 経済学 (economics as a field of study), 経済的 (economic/economical), and 経済成長 (economic growth). Understanding 経済 is essential for anyone looking to engage with Japanese media, as it appears in almost every news broadcast and newspaper headline.

Academic Context: Used to describe the theoretical study of markets and human behavior regarding resources. University students might say 'I am majoring in economics' (経済学を専攻しています).

大学で経済の基礎を学びました。(I learned the basics of economics at university.)

In the 21st century, 経済 has also taken on digital and environmental dimensions. You will frequently hear terms like デジタル経済 (digital economy) and 循環経済 (circular economy). These terms reflect how Japan is adapting its traditional views of resource management to meet modern challenges. For a language learner, mastering 経済 is a gateway to understanding the structural forces that shape Japanese life. Whether you are reading about the 'Lost Decades' or the latest tech startup in Tokyo, this word provides the necessary context to grasp the underlying narrative of progress and struggle. It is not just a vocabulary word; it is a lens through which you can view the entire functioning of the Japanese state and its place in the global community.

新しいテクノロジーが日本の経済を変えるでしょう。(New technology will likely change Japan's economy.)

Daily Life Usage: Used when discussing household finances or the impact of inflation on grocery prices. A parent might say 'The household economy is tight' (家計の経済が苦しい), though '家計' (kakei) is more specific for home finances.

物価の上昇が家庭の経済に影響を与えています。(Rising prices are affecting household economies.)

バブル経済の崩壊後、日本は長い不況に入りました。(After the collapse of the bubble economy, Japan entered a long recession.)

Using 経済 correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a noun and how it interacts with particles and other words to form complex meanings. Because it is a broad concept, it often appears as the subject of a sentence (followed by が or は) or as part of a compound noun. When you want to describe the state of the economy, you frequently use adjectives like 良い (yoi - good), 悪い (warui - bad), or 安定している (antei shite iru - stable). For example, 'The economy is bad' is 経済が悪い (keizai ga warui). This is a very common way to express frustration with current financial trends. If you want to talk about the 'economic' aspect of something, you add the suffix 的 (teki) to turn it into an adjective: 経済的 (keizaiteki). This is used in phrases like 経済的な理由 (keizaiteki na riyuu - economic reasons) or 経済的な自立 (keizaiteki na jiritsu - financial independence).

Subject Marker (が/は): Used to state a fact about the economy's condition. '経済が発展する' (The economy develops).

国の経済が急速に成長しています。(The country's economy is growing rapidly.)

Another important pattern is using 経済 with the particle を (wo) when an action is being performed on the economy, usually by a government or a large entity. Phrases like 経済を立て直す (keizai wo tatenaosu - to rebuild the economy) or 経済を活性化させる (keizai wo kasseika saseru - to revitalize the economy) are staples of political discourse. In these cases, 経済 is the object of the verb. Furthermore, 経済 often appears in the 'A no B' construction, where it modifies another noun. 経済の状況 (keizai no joukyou - economic situation) or 経済の影響 (keizai no eikyou - economic influence) are standard ways to link the concept of economy to specific outcomes or states. This flexibility allows speakers to pinpoint exactly which part of the economic system they are referring to.

Adjectival Form (〜的): Adding 'teki' allows you to describe nouns. '経済的な問題' (Economic problems).

それは経済的に見て、あまり効率が良くありません。(From an economic standpoint, that is not very efficient.)

In more formal or academic writing, you will see 経済 paired with verbs like 停滞する (teitai suru - to stagnate) or 混乱する (konran suru - to be in chaos). These combinations help describe the complex cycles of the market. For instance, 'The world economy is in chaos' would be 世界経済が混乱している (sekai keizai ga konran shite iru). Additionally, when discussing the impact of an event, the pattern '〜が経済に与える影響' (the influence that ~ has on the economy) is a high-level structure that is very useful for essays and reports. By mastering these patterns, you move beyond simple vocabulary and begin to construct sophisticated arguments about society and finance in Japanese.

パンデミックが世界経済に大きな打撃を与えました。(The pandemic dealt a major blow to the world economy.)

Compound Nouns: Combining 経済 with other nouns to create specific terms. '経済協力' (Economic cooperation).

二国間の経済協力が強化されました。(Economic cooperation between the two countries was strengthened.)

このプロジェクトの経済性を検討する必要があります。(We need to examine the economic feasibility of this project.)

The word 経済 is ubiquitous in Japanese life, appearing in a wide variety of contexts ranging from the highly formal to the surprisingly casual. Perhaps the most common place you will encounter it is on the nightly news (ニュース). Every major Japanese broadcast has a dedicated 'Economy' segment (経済ニュース) where anchors discuss the Nikkei Stock Average (日経平均株価), exchange rates (為替レート), and government fiscal policy. If you open a newspaper like the Asahi Shimbun or the Nikkei (which is essentially the 'Wall Street Journal' of Japan), you will see entire sections labeled 経済. In these contexts, the word is used with a high degree of precision and is often accompanied by complex terminology. For students of Japanese, listening to these segments is an excellent way to practice hearing 経済 in its most standard, formal form.

In the Newsroom: Used by reporters to summarize national trends. '今日の経済の動きをお伝えします' (Reporting on today's economic movements).

テレビの経済番組はとても勉強になります。(Economic programs on TV are very educational.)

In the corporate world, 経済 is a staple of business meetings and strategy sessions. Executives discuss the 'economic climate' (経済情勢) to decide whether to expand into new markets or cut costs. It is also a key term in job interviews, where candidates might be asked about their thoughts on the current state of the economy. Beyond the boardroom, 経済 is a frequent topic in universities and high schools. Japan places a strong emphasis on economic literacy, and students are expected to understand the basics of how their country's economy works. You will hear professors lecturing on 経済理論 (economic theory) or 経済史 (economic history). For many Japanese people, their first serious encounter with the word is in a classroom setting, making it a word associated with education and intellectual growth.

In Casual Conversation: Used when friends discuss why things are getting more expensive. '最近、経済が不安定だよね' (The economy is unstable lately, isn't it?).

居酒屋でサラリーマンが日本の経済について議論していました。(Salarymen were debating the Japanese economy at an izakaya.)

Even in pop culture, 経済 makes an appearance. Manga and anime that focus on gambling, business, or 'isekai' (another world) world-building often use 経済 to explain the power dynamics of their fictional worlds. For example, a character might explain how a kingdom's 経済 is failing due to a lack of trade. This shows that the word is not just for 'boring' adult topics; it is a fundamental building block for describing any organized society. Finally, you will hear it in political speeches during election seasons. Politicians often promise 経済再生 (economic revitalization) or 経済対策 (economic measures) to win votes. In this way, 経済 is a word that connects the highest levels of government power to the daily concerns of the average citizen, making it one of the most important words to recognize in any Japanese-speaking environment.

選挙の時期になると、どの候補者も経済政策を強調します。(When election season comes, every candidate emphasizes their economic policies.)

On Social Media: Used in hashtags like #経済 or #日本経済 to discuss market trends or crypto-currency. It is a very common tag for financial influencers.

SNSで最新の経済ニュースをチェックしています。(I check the latest economic news on social media.)

ラジオの経済解説は、通勤中に聞くのに最適です。(Economic commentary on the radio is perfect for listening during the commute.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 経済 is confusing it with other related but distinct terms like 経営 (けいえい - keiei) or 節約 (せつやく - setsuyaku). While 経済 refers to the 'economy' as a whole system, 経営 refers specifically to 'management' or 'running a business.' If you want to say 'I am managing a restaurant,' you must use 経営, not 経済. Saying 'レストランを経済している' would sound nonsensical to a native speaker. Similarly, in English, we often use 'economical' to mean 'cheap' or 'saving money.' In Japanese, if you want to say 'This car is economical with fuel,' you would use 燃費が良い (nenpi ga yoi) or 経済的 (keizaiteki). However, if you mean 'I am trying to be economical this month,' you should use 節約 (setsuyaku). Using 経済 in the sense of personal thriftiness is a common 'Japanglish' error.

Mistake: 経済 vs. 経営: Using 経済 to mean 'running a business.' Correct: 会社を経営する (Run a company). Incorrect: 会社を経済する.

父は小さな会社を経営しています。 (My father manages a small company. *Note the use of 経営, not 経済*)

Another subtle mistake involves the use of the word 景気 (けいき - keiki). While both 経済 and 景気 are translated as 'economy' in some contexts, they have different nuances. 経済 is the system itself, while 景気 refers to the 'economic climate' or 'business conditions'—essentially how the economy *feels* at the moment. If you want to say 'The economy is booming,' it is more natural to say 景気が良い (keiki ga yoi) rather than 経済が良い (keizai ga yoi), although the latter is still understood. 景気 is much more common in casual conversation when talking about whether people are spending money or if businesses are doing well. Confusing these two can make your Japanese sound a bit textbook-heavy or slightly unnatural in a social setting like an izakaya.

Mistake: 経済 vs. 節約: Using 経済 to mean 'saving money.' Correct: お金を節約する (Save money). Incorrect: お金を経済する.

今月はピンチなので、節約しなければなりません。 (I'm in a pinch this month, so I have to save money. *Note the use of 節約*)

Finally, learners often struggle with the kanji for 経済. The first kanji 経 (kei) is also used in words like 経験 (keiken - experience) and 経由 (keiyu - via), while the second kanji 済 (zai) is used in 済み (sumi - finished) and 返済 (hensai - repayment). A common mistake is to write the wrong kanji for 'zai,' such as 財 (zai - wealth/assets). While 財 is related to money (as in 財産 - zaisan), it is not the correct kanji for 経済. This is a classic 'kanji confusion' that even some native speakers might trip over if they are writing quickly. Paying attention to the 'water' radical on the left side of 済 can help you remember the correct character. Mastering these distinctions will ensure that your use of 経済 is both accurate and natural.

漢字の練習をするときは、経済の「済」を間違えないようにしましょう。(When practicing kanji, be careful not to mistake the 'zai' in 'keizai'.)

Mistake: Overusing 経済的: Sometimes '安い' (yasui - cheap) or 'お得' (otoku - a good deal) is more natural than '経済的' (economical) in casual talk.

このスーパーはお得な商品が多いです。(This supermarket has many good deals. *More natural than saying 'economical products'*)

その決定には経済的な裏付けがありません。(There is no economic backing for that decision.)

To truly master the vocabulary surrounding 経済, it is helpful to compare it with several similar words that often appear in the same contexts. As mentioned before, 景気 (keiki) is the most common alternative. While 経済 refers to the system, 景気 refers to the current state or 'mood' of that system. Think of 経済 as the climate and 景気 as the weather. Another important word is 財政 (ざいせい - zaisei), which specifically refers to 'public finance' or 'government budget.' While 経済 covers the entire market including private companies and individuals, 財政 is limited to how the government collects and spends money. If you are talking about national debt or tax policy, 財政 is often the more precise term to use.

Comparison: 経済 vs. 景気: 経済 = The System (Economy). 景気 = The Condition (Business climate). '経済を勉強する' vs '景気が良くなる'.

最近は景気が良いので、求人が増えています。(Business conditions are good lately, so job openings are increasing.)

You might also encounter 金融 (きんゆう - kinyuu), which translates to 'finance' or 'banking.' This word focuses on the flow of money and credit. While 経済 is a broad term that includes manufacturing and labor, 金融 is specifically about the financial sector—banks, loans, and interest rates. If you work in a bank, you are in the 金融業界 (kinyuu gyoukai - finance industry), which is a subset of the broader 経済. Another related term is 市場 (しじょう - shijou), meaning 'market.' This can refer to a physical market or the abstract concept of the marketplace where 経済 activities happen. Understanding these distinctions allows you to be much more specific in your descriptions of financial matters.

Comparison: 経済 vs. 財政: 経済 = Broad (Production/Consumption). 財政 = Specific (Government finance/Taxation).

政府は財政赤字を減らすために増税を検討しています。(The government is considering tax hikes to reduce the fiscal deficit.)

For more academic or professional contexts, you might use 産業 (さんぎょう - sangyou), which means 'industry.' While 経済 describes the system of exchange, 産業 describes the actual production of goods (like the automobile industry or the tech industry). Finally, the word 経理 (けいり - keiri) is often confused with 経済 by beginners. 経理 refers to 'accounting'—the specific task of recording a company's financial transactions. While an economist (経済学者) studies the whole country, an accountant (経理担当者) looks at the books of a single business. By learning these related words together, you build a comprehensive 'word web' that makes it much easier to understand complex topics in Japanese.

日本の自動車産業は、世界経済において重要な役割を果たしています。(Japan's automobile industry plays a vital role in the global economy.)

Comparison: 経済 vs. 経理: 経済 = Macro/Systemic (Economics). 経理 = Micro/Administrative (Accounting).

彼女は会社の経理部で働いています。(She works in the accounting department of the company.)

難しい経済の話はやめて、もっと楽しいことを話しましょう。(Let's stop the difficult economic talk and talk about something more fun.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

When Western economic concepts were first introduced to Japan in the 19th century, scholars struggled to find a translation for 'economy.' They eventually settled on 経済, repurposing an ancient political term for a modern financial concept.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /keɪ.zaɪ/

US /keɪ.zaɪ/

Flat pitch accent (Heiban). All syllables are generally pronounced with the same level of emphasis.

Rhymes With

Meizai (明細) Seizai (製剤) Teizai (滞在) Heizai (閉鎖 - similar) Kaisai (開催) Saizai (最下位 - similar) Tensai (天才) Zensai (前菜)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'Kei' as 'Key'. It should be 'Kay'.
Pronouncing 'Zai' as 'Zay'. It should be 'Zye' (rhymes with 'eye').
Putting too much stress on the first syllable.
Shortening the 'ei' sound too much.
Confusing the 'z' sound with 's'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common but require some practice to write correctly.

Writing 4/5

Writing 経済 from memory can be tricky due to the number of strokes.

Speaking 2/5

The pronunciation is straightforward with no difficult sounds.

Listening 2/5

It is a very distinct-sounding word that is easy to pick out in a sentence.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

お金 (Money) 仕事 (Work) 国 (Country) 買う (To buy) 売る (To sell)

Learn Next

景気 (Business climate) 財政 (Finance) 投資 (Investment) 貿易 (Trade) 市場 (Market)

Advanced

インフレ (Inflation) デフレ (Deflation) 為替 (Exchange) 国内総生産 (GDP) 金融緩和 (Monetary easing)

Grammar to Know

Noun + 的 (teki) to form an adjective.

経済 + 的 = 経済的 (Economic/Financial)

Noun + 学 (gaku) to form a field of study.

経済 + 学 = 経済学 (Economics)

Compound Nouns (Noun + Noun).

経済 + 成長 = 経済成長 (Economic growth)

Using 〜に影響を与える (to influence ~).

円安が経済に影響を与える。

Using 〜に基づいた (based on ~).

経済原則に基づいた判断。

Examples by Level

経済は大切です。

The economy is important.

Subject (経済) + は + Adjective (大切) + です.

日本の経済はどうですか？

How is Japan's economy?

Noun (日本) + の + Noun (経済) + は + Question word (どう) + ですか.

経済の本を読みます。

I read a book about the economy.

Noun (経済) + の + Noun (本) + を + Verb (読みます).

これは経済のニュースです。

This is economic news.

Noun (これ) + は + Noun (経済) + の + Noun (ニュース) + です.

経済は難しいです。

The economy is difficult.

Subject (経済) + は + Adjective (難しい) + です.

大学で経済を勉強します。

I study economics at university.

Place (大学) + で + Noun (経済) + を + Verb (勉強します).

経済は面白いです。

The economy is interesting.

Subject (経済) + は + Adjective (面白い) + です.

父は経済が好きです。

My father likes economics.

Topic (父) + は + Object (経済) + が + Adjective (好き) + です.

経済的な理由で、旅行に行けません。

For economic reasons, I cannot go on a trip.

Adjective (経済的) + な + Noun (理由) + で (cause marker).

最近、経済が良くなりました。

Recently, the economy has improved.

Adjective (良い) becomes (良くなる) to show change.

彼は経済学を専攻しています。

He is majoring in economics.

経済学 (economics) + を + 専攻している (majoring in).

世界の経済はつながっています。

The world's economy is connected.

Subject (世界の経済) + は + Verb (つながっている).

経済の状況をチェックします。

I will check the economic situation.

Noun (経済) + の + Noun (状況) + を + Verb (チェックする).

もっと経済的な車が欲しいです。

I want a more economical car.

Adjective (経済的) + な + Noun (車).

経済のニュースは毎日見ます。

I watch economic news every day.

Noun (経済のニュース) + は + Time (毎日) + Verb (見ます).

将来、経済の仕事をしたいです。

In the future, I want to do work related to the economy.

Noun (経済の仕事) + を + Verb (したい).

日本の経済成長率は低いです。

Japan's economic growth rate is low.

Compound noun: 経済成長率 (economic growth rate).

経済のグローバル化が進んでいます。

Economic globalization is progressing.

Noun (経済のグローバル化) + が + Verb (進んでいる).

新しい政策が経済に影響を与えます。

The new policy will affect the economy.

〜が + 経済 + に + 影響を与える (to give influence to).

経済的な自立を目指しています。

I am aiming for financial independence.

経済的 (financial) + 自立 (independence).

不況で経済が混乱しています。

The economy is in chaos due to the recession.

Cause (不況で) + Subject (経済) + が + Verb (混乱している).

経済の仕組みを理解するのは難しい。

It is difficult to understand the mechanism of the economy.

Noun (経済の仕組み) + を + Verb (理解する) + の (nominalizer).

家庭の経済を支えるのは大変です。

Supporting the household economy is hard.

Noun (家庭の経済) + を + Verb (支える).

経済的な格差が広がっています。

The economic gap is widening.

Noun (経済的な格差) + が + Verb (広がっている).

政府は経済再生のための対策を講じた。

The government took measures for economic revitalization.

経済再生 (economic revitalization) + のための (for the sake of).

円安が日本経済に与える打撃は大きい。

The blow that the weak yen deals to the Japanese economy is significant.

Subject (円安) + が + Object (日本経済) + に + Verb (与える) + Noun (打撃).

経済指標は市場の予想を上回った。

Economic indicators exceeded market expectations.

経済指標 (economic indicators) + 市場の予想 (market expectations).

持続可能な経済システムの構築が必要だ。

Building a sustainable economic system is necessary.

持続可能な (sustainable) + 経済システム (economic system).

経済的な制裁がその国に科された。

Economic sanctions were imposed on that country.

経済的な制裁 (economic sanctions) + 科される (passive of 'to impose').

彼は経済の専門家として知られている。

He is known as an expert in economics.

〜として (as) + 知られている (is known).

経済の動向を注視する必要があります。

We need to closely monitor economic trends.

経済の動向 (economic trends) + を + 注視する (to monitor closely).

自由経済の原則に基づいた競争が行われる。

Competition based on the principles of a free economy is taking place.

自由経済 (free economy) + 原則に基づいた (based on principles).

経済のパラダイムシフトが起きている。

An economic paradigm shift is occurring.

経済のパラダイムシフト (economic paradigm shift).

マクロ経済学の視点から分析を行う。

Perform an analysis from a macroeconomics perspective.

マクロ経済学 (macroeconomics) + 視点から (from the perspective of).

経済の不確実性が投資を抑制している。

Economic uncertainty is suppressing investment.

経済の不確実性 (economic uncertainty) + 抑制している (is suppressing).

経済成長と環境保護の両立は可能か。

Is it possible to balance economic growth and environmental protection?

Noun A + と + Noun B + の + 両立 (coexistence/balance).

経済的な合理性だけで判断してはいけない。

You must not judge based on economic rationality alone.

経済的な合理性 (economic rationality) + だけ (only).

新興国の経済発展が目覚ましい。

The economic development of emerging nations is remarkable.

新興国 (emerging nations) + 経済発展 (economic development).

経済構造の歪みが社会問題を引き起こしている。

Distortions in the economic structure are causing social problems.

経済構造の歪み (distortions in economic structure).

経済のデジタル化は不可逆的な流れだ。

The digitalization of the economy is an irreversible trend.

不可逆的な (irreversible) + 流れ (flow/trend).

「経世済民」という言葉が経済の語源である。

The phrase 'Keisei Saimin' is the origin of the word 'Keizai'.

語源 (etymology/origin).

経済のグローバルな連鎖がリスクを増幅させる。

The global chain of the economy amplifies risks.

グローバルな連鎖 (global chain) + 増幅させる (to amplify).

ポスト資本主義における経済の在り方を模索する。

Seeking the state of the economy in post-capitalism.

ポスト資本主義 (post-capitalism) + 在り方 (the way it should be).

経済の脆弱性が露呈した瞬間であった。

It was the moment the economy's vulnerability was exposed.

脆弱性 (vulnerability) + 露呈した (was exposed).

経済政策の成否は国民の信頼に懸かっている。

The success or failure of economic policy depends on the people's trust.

成否 (success or failure) + 〜に懸かっている (depends on).

経済の循環を促すための抜本的な改革が必要だ。

Drastic reforms are needed to promote the circulation of the economy.

抜本的な (drastic/fundamental) + 改革 (reform).

経済的な覇権争いが国際情勢を緊迫させている。

The struggle for economic hegemony is creating tension in international affairs.

経済的な覇権争い (struggle for economic hegemony).

経済は単なる数字の羅列ではなく、人間の営みそのものである。

The economy is not just a list of numbers, but human activity itself.

単なる (mere) + 羅列 (enumeration/list) + 営み (activity/living).

Synonyms

景気財政商売金融

Antonyms

政治精神

Common Collocations

経済成長

経済状況

経済政策

経済危機

経済活動

経済協力

経済指標

経済的自立

経済発展

経済格差

Common Phrases

経済を立て直す

— To rebuild or revitalize the economy. Used when a country is in a recession.

新政府は経済を立て直すと約束した。

経済が回る

— The economy is circulating or functioning well. Often used in casual talk.

みんながお金を使えば経済が回る。

経済の屋台骨

— The backbone of the economy. Refers to the most important industry.

製造業は日本経済の屋台骨だ。

経済の先行き

— The economic outlook or future prospects.

経済の先行きは不透明だ。

経済的に苦しい

— To be in a difficult financial situation. Used for individuals or families.

今は経済的に苦しい時期です。

経済を冷え込ませる

— To cause the economy to cool down or slow down.

増税が経済を冷え込ませる懸念がある。

経済を牽引する

— To drive or lead the economy. Used for a specific industry or company.

観光業が地方経済を牽引している。

経済の歯車

— The gears of the economy. Refers to the individual parts that make it work.

私たちは経済の歯車の一部だ。

経済的メリット

— Economic benefit or financial advantage.

この提携には大きな経済的メリットがある。

経済のグローバル化

— The globalization of the economy.

経済のグローバル化は止まらない。

Often Confused With

経済 vs 経営 (Keiei)

Keiei is management/running a business. Keizai is the whole economy.

経済 vs 経理 (Keiri)

Keiri is accounting. Keizai is economics.

経済 vs 景気 (Keiki)

Keiki is the current economic mood. Keizai is the system.

Idioms & Expressions

"経世済民"

— Governing the world and saving the people. The origin of 'Keizai'.

真の政治とは経世済民であるべきだ。

Literary/Historical

"経済の波"

— The waves of the economy. Refers to the ups and downs of the market.

経済の波に乗って成功した。

Neutral

"財布の紐を締める"

— To tighten the purse strings. Related to personal economy/saving.

経済が悪いので、みんな財布の紐を締めている。

Idiomatic

"金の切れ目が縁の切れ目"

— When the money runs out, the relationship ends. A cynical view on personal economy.

経済的な問題で離婚した。

Proverb

"バブル経済"

— Bubble economy. Refers to an asset price bubble.

バブル経済の時は誰もが浮かれていた。

Historical/Economic

"経済の番人"

— The guardian of the economy. Often refers to the Central Bank.

日本銀行は経済の番人と呼ばれている。

Journalistic

"経済の冷え込み"

— Economic cooling. Refers to a sudden slowdown.

冬のボーナス減が経済の冷え込みを招く。

Journalistic

"経済の底を打つ"

— The economy hitting rock bottom (and starting to recover).

ようやく経済が底を打ったようだ。

Business

"経済のカンフル剤"

— An economic 'shot in the arm' or stimulus.

公共事業が経済のカンフル剤になる。

Political

"経済の一人勝ち"

— A situation where only one country/entity's economy is winning.

かつては日本経済の一人勝ちだった。

Journalistic

Easily Confused

経済 vs 財政 (Zaisei)

Both involve money and government.

Zaisei is specifically government budget/tax. Keizai is the whole system of production/consumption.

国の財政が赤字だ。

経済 vs 金融 (Kinyuu)

Both are business terms.

Kinyuu is about banks and money flow. Keizai includes labor, factories, and trade.

金融業界で働く。

経済 vs 節約 (Setsuyaku)

English 'economical' can mean 'saving money.'

Setsuyaku is the act of saving money. Keizai is the study or system of money.

電気代を節約する。

経済 vs 産業 (Sangyou)

Both relate to a country's wealth.

Sangyou is a specific industry (like cars). Keizai is the sum of all industries and their exchange.

IT産業の発展。

経済 vs 家計 (Kakei)

Both are about managing money.

Kakei is strictly for a household. Keizai is usually for a nation or region.

家計簿をつける。

Sentence Patterns

経済は[Adjective]です。

経済は大切です。

経済的な[Noun]。

経済的な理由。

経済が[Verb-ing]しています。

経済が成長しています。

[Event]が経済に影響を与えます。

戦争が経済に影響を与えます。

経済の[Noun]を[Verb]する。

経済の動向を分析する。

経済再生のための[Noun]。

経済再生のための対策。

経済の[Noun]が[Verb]される。

経済の構造が改革される。

経済は[Noun]の[Noun]に他ならない。

経済は人間の営みの集積に他ならない。

Word Family

Nouns

経済学 (Economics)

経済学者 (Economist)

経済界 (Economic world/Business circles)

経済圏 (Economic sphere)

Verbs

経済化する (To economize/commercialize - rare)

経済を回す (To make the economy circulate)

Adjectives

経済的 (Economic/Economical)

非経済的 (Uneconomical)

経営 (Management)

経理 (Accounting)

財政 (Finance)

景気 (Business climate)

市場 (Market)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in news, business, and education.

Common Mistakes

Using 経済 to mean 'managing a shop.' → 店を経営する (Mise wo keiei suru).
経済 is the system; 経営 is the act of management.
Saying '経済が良い' for a booming market. → 景気が良い (Keiki ga yoi).
While 'Keizai ga yoi' is understood, 'Keiki' is much more natural for the 'mood' of the economy.
Writing 経済 as 経済財. → 経済 (Keizai).
Don't add extra kanji like 'zai' (wealth) unless you are forming a specific compound like 経済財 (economic goods).
Using 経済 as a verb (経済する). → 経済活動をする (Perform economic activity).
経済 is a noun and cannot be directly turned into a verb with 'suru.'
Confusing 経済 with 経理. → 経済 (Economics) vs 経理 (Accounting).
An economist is not an accountant. Make sure you use the right term for the profession.

Tips

The 'Save the People' Root

Remember that 経済 comes from 'saving the people.' This helps you remember that it's a social system, not just a bunch of numbers.

Adjective Form

Always remember to add 'teki' and 'na' (経済的な) when using it to describe a noun like 'reason' or 'problem.'

News Keywords

When you hear 'Keizai' on the news, listen for 'Seichou' (growth) or 'Kiki' (crisis) to immediately understand the tone of the report.

Don't Overuse It

In casual settings, use 'Keiki' or 'Okane' to sound more natural. 'Keizai' can sound a bit like you're giving a lecture.

Kanji Radical

The 'water' radical in 済 (the three dots on the left) is key. Think of money 'flowing' like water through the economy.

The Nikkei

Familiarize yourself with the 'Nikkei' (Nihon Keizai Shimbun). It's the most important economic resource in Japan.

Compound Power

Learn 経済 with its common partners like 'Seisaku' (policy) or 'Joukyou' (situation) to expand your vocabulary quickly.

Macro vs Micro

Use 経済 for big things (countries) and 経営 for small things (companies/shops).

Daily Check

Try to read one economic headline in Japanese every day. It's the best way to see 経済 in its natural habitat.

Historical Context

Knowing 'Keisei Saimin' will make you sound very educated when discussing the word with native speakers.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'K' for 'Kingdom' and 'Z' for 'Zero balance.' A Kingdom needs to manage its money so it doesn't hit Zero. KEI-ZAI.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant silk thread (the radical in 経) weaving through a city, connecting all the people and shops together into one system.

Word Web

Money Jobs Trade Government Banks Prices Growth Recession

Challenge

Try to find the word 経済 in a Japanese news headline today. Then, try to explain to a friend in Japanese why 経済 is important.

Word Origin

The word 経済 is a shortened form of the classical Chinese phrase 経世済民 (Keisei Saimin). This phrase was used in ancient texts to describe the art of statecraft and governance.

Original meaning: Governing (経) the world (世) and saving (済) the people (民). It emphasized the moral duty of a ruler to ensure the prosperity of the subjects.

Sino-Japanese (Kango). The characters were imported from China and adapted into Japanese.

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing the 'bubble economy' with older Japanese people, as many lost significant wealth during that time.

In English, 'economy' can mean 'saving' (economy size). In Japanese, 経済 is almost always the 'system.'

Weekly Toyo Keizai (Famous business magazine) Nihon Keizai Shimbun (The Nikkei - major newspaper) Abenomics (Economic policies of Shinzo Abe)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Watching the News

経済ニュース
日経平均
円安・円高
景気動向

University/School

経済学部
経済学の講義
マクロ経済
ミクロ経済

Business Meeting

経済状況の分析
経済的メリット
市場経済
経済の先行き

Political Debate

経済対策
経済成長戦略
経済格差の是正
経済制裁

Casual Chat about Prices

経済が悪い
物価が高い
生活が大変
経済を回す

Conversation Starters

"最近の日本の経済について、どう思いますか？ (What do you think about Japan's economy lately?)"

"あなたの国の経済状況は今、良いですか？ (Is your country's economic situation good right now?)"

"大学で経済を勉強したことがありますか？ (Have you ever studied economics at university?)"

"経済ニュースを毎日チェックしていますか？ (Do you check economic news every day?)"

"経済的な自立について、どう考えていますか？ (What are your thoughts on financial independence?)"

Journal Prompts

今日の経済ニュースで一番気になったことは何ですか？ (What was the most interesting economic news for you today?)

経済が良くなったら、あなたは何をしたいですか？ (If the economy gets better, what do you want to do?)

自分の生活において、経済的な不安はありますか？ (Do you have any financial anxieties in your life?)

「経済」という言葉の語源について、どう感じましたか？ (How did you feel about the origin of the word 'Keizai'?)

将来、どのような経済システムが理想だと思いますか？ (What kind of economic system do you think is ideal for the future?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, in modern Japanese, it almost always translates to 'economy.' However, its adjective form 経済的 can also mean 'economical' or 'cost-effective' in the sense of saving money.

経済 is the system (the structure), while 景気 is the current state or 'feeling' of that system (is it booming or in a recession?). You study 経済, but you feel the 景気.

Yes, it is a relatively formal word. In very casual conversation about personal money, people might just say 'okane' (money) or 'seikatsu' (life/living).

You add 'gaku' (study) to the end: 経済学 (Keizaigaku). A person who studies it is a 経済学者 (Keizaigakusha).

Not as a verb. You cannot say 'I am keizai-ing.' Use 節約する (setsuyaku suru) for the act of saving money. You can use 経済的 (keizaiteki) to describe something as 'economical' (e.g., a car).

経 (kei) meaning 'manage/pass through' and 済 (zai) meaning 'settle/finish/save.' Together they come from a phrase meaning 'governing and saving the people.'

Very often. Many newspapers, magazines, and research institutes have 経済 in their names, such as the Nihon Keizai Shimbun.

It is written in katakana as アベノミクス, but it refers to the 経済政策 (economic policies) of former Prime Minister Abe.

It is extremely common. You will likely see or hear it every single day if you consume Japanese media.

It is typically considered an N3 level word, which corresponds to the CEFR B1 level.