Translation and Meaning of: 好況 - koukyou

The Japanese word 好況[こうきょう] is a term that carries an important economic meaning, but it also reflects cultural and social aspects of Japan. In this article, we will explore what this expression represents, how it is used in daily life, and what its origins are. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding 好況 can be useful to expand your vocabulary and better understand the context in which it appears. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, provides this detailed analysis to assist in your learning.

The meaning and use of 好況

好況[こうきょう] is a word that describes a period of economic prosperity, often translated as "boom" or "upsurge." It is composed of the kanjis 好 (favor, favorable) and 況 (condition, situation), forming a term that indicates a positive scenario in the market. Unlike words such as 景気[けいき] (which refers to the economic situation in general), 好況 specifies a moment of growth and optimism.

In Japan, this term frequently appears in news and financial analyses, especially when there is recovery after crises or expansion of sectors. Companies and economists use 好況 to describe phases when consumption increases, jobs grow, and market confidence strengthens. Its opposite, 不況[ふきょう], indicates recession, showing how Japanese has specific words for different economic stages.

The origin and structure of 好況

The etymology of 好況 traces back to the classical use of the kanji that compose it. 好, which means "good" or "favorable," appears in several other positive words, such as 好意[こうい] (goodwill). On the other hand, 況 has a broader meaning related to circumstances or states, as in 状況[じょうきょう] (situation). The combination of these ideograms reinforces the idea of a favorable environment, especially in the financial field.

It is worth noting that, although it is a technical term, 好況 is not limited to economic reports. It can appear in everyday conversations when someone comments on the success of a business or the growth of a region. This flexibility makes it a useful word for both Japanese language students and those interested in Japan's business culture.

Curiosities and tips for memorizing 好況

An effective way to remember 好況 is to associate it with historical moments of growth in Japan, such as the post-war economic miracle. This period, known as "high growth" (高度経済成長), was a clear example of 好況, with the country becoming an industrial power. Creating this mental connection helps to remember not only the meaning but also the context in which the word is applied.

Another tip is to observe how 好況 appears in headlines of Japanese newspapers, such as Nikkei or Asahi Shimbun. These publications often use the term when announcing positive indicators, such as GDP growth or rises in stock markets. By becoming familiar with these usages, it becomes easier to incorporate 好況 into your active vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 好景気 (koukeiki) - Good economy (referring to a period of economic growth)
• 好調 (kouchou) - Good condition (commonly used to describe positive growth or performance)
• 好状態 (koujoutai) - Good condition (indicates a favorable or healthy situation)
• 好機 (kouki) - Good opportunity (favorable moment to act)
• 好転 (kouten) - Positive reversal (change of a situation for the better)

好況

Romaji: koukyou
Kana: こうきょう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: prosperous conditions; healthy economy

Meaning in English: prosperous conditions;healthy economy

Definition: The economy is in good condition.

Example Sentences - (好況) koukyou

See below some example sentences:

好況は経済の発展を意味します。

Koukyou wa keizai no hatten wo imi shimasu

Prosperity means economic development.

The development of the economy has significance.

• 好況 - means "prosperity" or "good economic situation".
• は - particle indicating the subject of the sentence, in this case, "good economic situation".
• 経済 - means "economy".
• の - particle indicating ownership, in this case "of the economy".
• 発展 - means "development" or "growth".
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "development of the economy".
• 意味します - verb meaning "means" or "has the meaning of".