不景气

• Pinyin: bù jǐng qì
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 = not; 景 = 日 (sun) + 京 (capital), meaning scene or situation; 气 = atmosphere/condition

Meaning

Sluggish; in a slump; depressed (economically). Describing poor economic conditions or business downturns.

Primarily used for economic contexts — describing recessions, market downturns, or struggling businesses. Can also describe industries or sectors that are performing poorly. Occasionally extended metaphorically to other areas like mood or health.

Examples

1. 经济不景气，很多公司都在裁员。 With the economy in a slump, many companies are laying off workers.
2. 这几年实体店生意不景气，很多都关门了。 Business at brick-and-mortar stores has been sluggish these past few years — many have closed.
3. 房地产市场持续不景气，开发商压力很大。 The real estate market remains depressed, putting great pressure on developers.

Usage Guide

Context: economics, business, markets

Tone: concerned

Do Say

• 现在经济不景气，找工作很难。(The economy is in a slump now — it's hard to find work.)
• 行业不景气的时候更要创新。(When the industry is sluggish, innovation is even more important.)

Don't Say

• 今天天气不景气。(For weather, use 不好 — 不景气 is specifically for economic/business conditions)

Origin & History

不 (not) + 景气 (prosperity, good times). 景 means scene or situation, 气 means atmosphere — together meaning prosperous conditions.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal