Translation guide
The economic concept of deflation, a general decline in prices, is expressed in Japanese primarily by the term デフレーション or its abbreviation デフレ. This guide covers how to talk about deflation in economic contexts, distinguishing it from related concepts like disinflation.
Referring to the economic phenomenon where the general price level of goods and services is falling.
The standard term for deflation in economic contexts. Often shortened to デフレ in news and conversation.
Japan has suffered from deflation for many years.
Common abbreviation of デフレーション, widely used in news and everyday conversation.
If deflation continues, the economy worsens.
Literally 'price fall', a more descriptive term used in economic reports.
Falling prices are cooling consumption.
Means 'deflationary trend', used when describing a persistent tendency toward deflation.
This country is in a deflationary trend.
Deflationary spiral, a situation where falling prices lead to reduced production, wages, and demand, further lowering prices.
We must prevent falling into a deflationary spiral.
Distinguishing deflation from disinflation, which is a decrease in the rate of inflation (prices still rising, but more slowly).
The direct loanword for disinflation. Used in economic analysis.
Disinflation is different from deflation.
Literally 'decline in the inflation rate', a clear way to explain disinflation.
デフレ (deflation) means prices are actually falling. ディスインフレ (disinflation) means the rate of inflation is slowing, but prices are still rising. Confusing these can lead to misunderstandings in economic discussions.
The English word 'deflation' can also mean letting air out of something (e.g., a tire). In Japanese, that is 空気を抜く (くうきを ぬく) or しぼむ, not デフレ. Use デフレ only for the economic concept.
A decline in the inflation rate does not necessarily mean deflation.