円高

• Reading: えんだか
• Romaji: endaka
• Kanji breakdown: 円 (en/maru) — yen, circle; 高 (kou/taka) — high, expensive, strong
• Pronunciation: /eɴ.da.ka/

Meaning

Strong yen; yen appreciation. A situation where the Japanese yen rises in value relative to other currencies.

A compound noun formed from 円 (en — yen) and 高 (daka — high, strong). 円高 benefits importers and consumers who buy foreign goods, but hurts Japanese exporters whose products become more expensive abroad. It is a key indicator monitored by economists, corporations, and policymakers. Directly contrasted with 円安 (yen depreciation). Both terms are staples of economic news reporting.

Examples

1. 急激な円高が輸出企業の業績を直撃した。 The sharp yen appreciation hit the performance of export companies hard.
2. 円高の恩恵を受けて、海外旅行者が増加している。 Thanks to the strong yen, the number of overseas travellers is increasing.
3. 日銀の金利政策が円高を招く可能性があると専門家は指摘する。 Experts point out that the Bank of Japan's interest rate policy may trigger yen appreciation.

Usage Guide

Context: economics, news, finance, trade

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Simple compound of 円 (en — yen, the Japanese currency) and 高 (daka — high, elevated). Literally means the yen is high in value.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal