不況 — meaning in English: recession

fukyō · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

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宿泊設備

shukuhaku setsubi

仮説

kasetsu

不況

fukyō

王

参加

sanka

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formal common

Usage

Native speakers often use '不況' (fukyō) in discussions about the economy, especially during news reports or debates about financial conditions. For instance, you might hear it in the context of job losses during economic downturns or when analyzing government policies aimed at stimulating growth.

Synonyms & nuances

'不況' (fukyō) is often used interchangeably with '景気後退' (keiki kōtai), which means 'economic recession.' However, '不況' carries a slightly heavier connotation of prolonged economic distress, whereas '景気後退' may refer to a temporary slowdown.

Culture

'不況' (fukyō) combines the characters '不' (fu), meaning 'not' or 'non-', and '況' (kyō), which relates to circumstances or conditions. This term gained prominence during Japan's economic bubble burst in the early 1990s, a period that shaped the nation's economic policies and public discourse for decades to come.

FAQ

Q.What does 不況 mean?

'不況' (fukyō) translates to 'recession' in English, indicating a period of economic decline characterized by reduced trade and industrial activity.

Q.How do you use 不況 in a sentence?

You can use it like this: '日本は去年、不況に直面しました' (Nihon wa kyonen, fukyō ni chokumen shimashita), meaning 'Japan faced a recession last year.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 不況?

One common mistake is confusing '不況' (fukyō) with '景気' (keiki), which means 'economic condition' or 'business climate.' While '不況' specifically refers to negative economic conditions, '景気' can describe both positive and negative states.

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