Translation guide
The system of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, or the careful management of resources.
Referring to the overall economy, including markets, trade, and financial systems.
The standard term for 'economy' in all contexts, from national to global.
日本の経済は回復しつつある。
Japan's economy is recovering.
世界経済の動向が気になる。
I'm concerned about global economic trends.
Using resources carefully to avoid waste, often in personal finance.
The act of economizing, cutting costs, or saving money. Often used in daily life.
電気代を節約するために、エアコンを消した。
I turned off the air conditioner to save on electricity bills.
節約生活は大変だけど、やりがいがある。
A frugal lifestyle is tough but rewarding.
Similar to 節約, but often implies a more disciplined, long-term thriftiness.
Literally 'eliminate waste', a common way to express economizing in processes or spending.
無駄を省いて、効率的に仕事をしよう。
Let's cut out waste and work efficiently.
The cheapest class of seating on an airplane or train.
Direct loanword from English, universally understood.
エコノミークラスで十分です。
Economy class is fine for me.
Used for trains or domestic flights, meaning 'standard seat'.
How far a vehicle can travel per unit of fuel.
Specifically refers to fuel economy of cars, motorcycles, etc.
この車は燃費がいい。
This car gets good gas mileage.
燃費を良くする運転方法を教えてください。
Please teach me driving techniques to improve fuel economy.
節約 is the most common word for saving money or cutting costs in daily life. 倹約 implies a more principled, often long-term frugality and is slightly more formal. In casual conversation, 節約 is preferred.
節約して旅行に行く。
I save money to go on trips.
倹約を心がけている。
I make a point of being frugal.
経済 refers to the macro-level economy. Using it to mean 'saving money' (like 'I need to economy') is incorrect. Use 節約 instead.
✕ お金を経済する。
Incorrect: 'economize money'
◯ お金を節約する。
Correct: 'save money'
経済が不況だ。
The economy is in a recession.
節約を実践する必要がある。
We need to practice economy.
母は倹約家で、無駄遣いをしない。
My mother is thrifty and doesn't waste money.
新幹線の普通席を予約した。
I reserved a standard seat on the bullet train.