Translation guide
Describes a period of reduced economic activity, ranging from mild slowdowns to severe depressions. Japanese has several terms that map to different severities and contexts.
To refer to a broad decline in economic activity, often used in news or everyday conversation.
The most common and general term for an economic slump or recession. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Japan is suffering from a prolonged economic slump.
The unemployment rate rose due to the recession.
A more technical term for an economic downturn or recession, often used in economic reports.
The government acknowledged the economic downturn.
Loanword from English 'recession', used in economic contexts but less common than native terms.
The global economy has entered a recession.
To emphasize a deep, long-lasting economic crisis, like the Great Depression.
Often used interchangeably with 不況, but can imply a more prolonged or severe slump, sometimes translated as 'depression'. Common in everyday speech.
This town has no vitality due to years of economic depression.
Refers specifically to a panic or severe economic crisis, like the Great Depression (世界恐慌). Stronger than 不況.
Loanword from English 'depression', used in economic contexts but rare.
To describe a milder, perhaps short-term, dip in economic activity.
To refer to a slump affecting a particular sector or business, not the whole economy.
Often used in compounds like 業績不振 (poor business performance) or 消費不振 (sluggish consumption). Indicates a slump or dullness.
The auto industry slump continues.
The consumption slump hit retailers directly.
Means a drop or decline, often used for sales or economic indicators.
Both mean economic slump/recession. 不況 is slightly more formal and common in news; 不景気 is often used in everyday conversation and can feel more prolonged. They are largely interchangeable.
There are no jobs because of the recession.
The English word 'slump' can be translated as スランプ, but that usually refers to a personal slump (e.g., in sports or studies), not an economic one. For economics, use the terms above.
1929年の世界恐慌は多くの国を襲った。
The Great Depression of 1929 hit many countries.
Economists are concerned about the return of a depression.
経済の停滞が続いている。
Economic stagnation continues.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'marking time' or 'at a standstill', used for an economy that isn't growing.
The economy is at a standstill.
売り上げの落ち込みが激しい。
The drop in sales is severe.