好況

• Reading: こうきょう
• Romaji: koukyou
• Kanji breakdown: 好 (kou) — good, favourable; 況 (kyou) — condition, situation
• Pronunciation: /ko.ɯ.kjo.ɯ/

Meaning

Economic boom; prosperous conditions; thriving business. A period of strong economic growth and activity.

A noun describing favourable economic conditions. Often contrasted with 不況 (fukyou, recession/depression). Used in economic discussions: 好況期 (boom period), 好況に沸く (bustling with prosperity). More formal than 景気がいい (business is good) and typically refers to broader economic trends rather than individual businesses.

Examples

1. 輸出産業の好況が国全体の経済成長を支えている。 A boom in the export industry is supporting the country's overall economic growth.
2. バブル期の好況を知っている世代は、今の経済に不安を感じている。 The generation that lived through the bubble-era boom feels anxious about today's economy.
3. 観光業の好況により、地方都市にも活気が戻ってきた。 The tourism boom has brought renewed energy to rural cities.

Usage Guide

Context: economics, news, business

Tone: positive

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 好 (kou, good/favourable) + 況 (kyou, condition/situation). Literally 'good conditions' — a favourable economic state.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal