経済

• Reading: けいざい
• Romaji: keizai
• Kanji breakdown: 経 (kei) — pass through, manage, sutra; 済 (zai) — settle, relieve, finish
• Pronunciation: /ke.i.za.i/

Meaning

Economy; economics. The system of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

A noun used in news, politics, and everyday conversation about money matters. 経済学 (keizaigaku) is the academic field of economics. 経済的 (keizaiteki) means economical or financially. Japan has the world's third-largest economy, making this a frequently discussed topic.

Examples

1. 日本の経済は少しずつ回復しています。 Japan's economy is gradually recovering.
2. 大学で経済学を勉強しました。 I studied economics in college.
3. 経済的な理由で引っ越しました。 I moved for financial reasons.

Usage Guide

Context: news, politics, academics, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Shortened from 経世済民 (keisei saimin), a classical Chinese phrase meaning 'to govern the world and relieve the people.' The concept narrowed over time to focus on financial and commercial systems.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal