Translation guide
The English word "recession" refers to an economic downturn. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 不況 (fukyō), but there are several related terms depending on context and severity.
To refer to a period of reduced economic activity, often used in news and everyday conversation.
Japan has been suffering from a long recession.
The unemployment rate rose due to the recession.
A more formal or technical term for economic recession, often used in economic reports.
The government announced measures against the recession.
Loanword from English, used in economic contexts, often in news or business.
The global economy has entered a recession.
To emphasize a deep or long-lasting economic downturn, similar to a depression.
Often used interchangeably with 不況, but can imply a more prolonged or severe economic slump. Common in everyday speech.
This town lacks vitality due to the recession.
Refers to a panic or depression, a severe economic crisis. Stronger than 不況. Often used historically (e.g., the Great Depression).
To describe a recession in terms of economic cycles or technical definitions.
Literally 'retreat of the economy', used in analytical contexts.
In a recession phase, corporate investment decreases.
Both mean economic downturn. 不況 is slightly more formal and often used in news; 不景気 is common in daily conversation and can also describe a gloomy atmosphere. They are largely interchangeable.
Do not use 後退 (retreat) alone to mean recession; it is not idiomatic. Use 不況 or 景気後退.
世界恐慌は1929年に始まった。
The Great Depression began in 1929.