noun
stormy weather at sea
Refers to rough seas and stormy conditions, often used in fishing or maritime contexts. Antonym: 凪 (calm sea).
Antonyms: 凪
しけで漁に出られない。
We can't go fishing because of the stormy seas.
noun
poor catch of fish due to stormy seas
Specifically refers to a bad haul caused by rough weather; a direct consequence of sense 1 in fishing contexts.
今月はしけ続きで水揚げが少ない。
This month the catch has been poor because of the continuing rough seas.
noun
poor turnout; recession; slump
Figurative extension: used for a disappointing result, low attendance, or economic downturn, likening it to stormy weather.
雨のせいでイベントはしけだった。
The event had a poor turnout because of the rain.
不景気でどの店もしけだ。
With the recession, every shop is in a slump.
Antonym: calm sea, lull. しけ is stormy or rough conditions, while 凪 is calm, often used in similar maritime contexts.
Means 'poor catch' in fishing, but is a more formal, technical term. しけ implies the cause is stormy weather, while 不漁 can be due to any reason.
Standard word for economic recession or depression. しけ is a more colloquial, figurative expression for a slump or poor business.
The origin is uncertain. The kanji 時化 is ateji, chosen for its sound rather than meaning. The word likely existed in spoken Japanese before being assigned these characters.