Translation guide
The English word 'economic' is used in several distinct ways. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether you mean relating to the economy, financially efficient, or viable/profitable.
Economic growth is an important issue.
The government announced a new economic policy.
Used as a na-adjective, often meaning 'economic' in a broader sense, sometimes overlapping with 'economical' but here meaning 'pertaining to the economy'.
We discussed economic problems.
Specifically refers to the academic field of economics.
He is a professor of economics.
Describing something that saves money or resources, often translated as 'economical' in English.
The standard translation for 'economical' or 'cost-effective'. Note that the same word can mean 'economic' in other contexts.
This car is very economical.
Travel in an economical way.
Short for 省エネルギー, meaning energy-saving. Often used for appliances or vehicles.
I bought an energy-efficient air conditioner.
Casual phrase meaning 'good cost performance', i.e., good value for money.
This restaurant is good value for money.
Describing whether a business, project, or activity can make enough money to continue.
経済の is a simple noun modifier meaning 'of the economy'. 経済的な is a na-adjective that can mean both 'economic' and 'economical'. Context usually clarifies the meaning.
economic expert
economical car
The katakana word エコノミック is sometimes used in compound terms like エコノミックアニマル (economic animal), but it is not a general translation for 'economic'. Avoid using it as a standalone adjective.
The project is not economically feasible.