景気

• Reading: けいき
• Romaji: keiki
• Kanji breakdown: 景 (kei) — scene, view, situation; 気 (ki) — spirit, atmosphere
• Pronunciation: /keː.ki/

Meaning

Economic conditions; business climate; the state of the economy.

A noun referring to the general state of economic activity and business conditions. 景気 is one of the most commonly used economic terms in daily Japanese. Key expressions include 景気がいい (the economy is good), 景気が悪い (the economy is bad), and 景気回復 (economic recovery). Also used casually to ask how things are going.

Examples

1. 最近、景気が少しずつ良くなってきた。 The economy has been gradually improving lately.
2. 景気が悪くてボーナスが減った。 The economy is bad, so bonuses got cut.
3. この地域は観光のおかげで景気がいい。 This area's economy is doing well thanks to tourism.

Usage Guide

Context: economics, news, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 景 (scene, view, situation) and 気 (spirit, atmosphere). The combination refers to the atmospheric condition or spirit of business and economic activity.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal