Translation and Meaning of: 経済 - keizai

The Japanese word 経済[けいざい] is an essential term for those who study the language or are interested in Japanese culture. Its meaning goes beyond simple translation, reflecting historical and social aspects of the country. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used in everyday life, and some curiosities that help to understand its significance in the Japanese language.

Meaning and translation of 経済[けいざい]

Economics[けいざい] is often translated as "economy", but its meaning encompasses both the financial aspect and the management of resources. In Japan, it appears in contexts ranging from political discussions to everyday news. The word carries a notion of organization and management, whether on a national or personal scale.

It is worth noting that, although the term is similar to Portuguese, its use can vary. While in the West "economy" often refers only to monetary systems, in Japanese it can also suggest efficiency or rational use. This nuance is important to avoid misunderstandings in conversations or readings.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The writing of 経済 combines two kanjis: 経 (to manage, to pass through) and 済 (to resolve, to conclude). Together, they form the idea of "managing practical matters" or "governing society." This composition reflects influences from classical Chinese, where the term originally meant "to govern and assist the people."

Interestingly, the modern adoption of the economic meaning emerged during the Meiji period (1868-1912), when Japan was seeking terms for Western concepts. Scholars adapted 経済 to translate "economy" from English, retaining the historical root while expanding its meaning. This transformation illustrates how the Japanese language absorbs and reinterprets foreign ideas.

Everyday and cultural use

In today's Japan, 経済 is a high-frequency word, appearing in newspapers, political speeches, and even in conversations about household budgets. It is central to debates on growth, inflation, or public policies. Companies use derived terms like 経済的 (economic) to highlight efficiency in products or services.

Culturally, the appreciation for careful resource management makes 経済 carry a positive connotation when associated with planning. On the other hand, in informal contexts, young people may use the word ironically to refer to personal financial constraints, showing how its meaning adapts to different generations.

Tips for memorization

An effective way to remember 経済 is to associate its kanji with concrete images. The first character, 経, appears in words like 経験 (experience) – something that "goes through" you. Meanwhile, 済 refers to conclusion, as in 済みません (sorry). Thinking of "manage until resolved" helps to solidify the concept.

Another strategy is to note that けいざい sounds similar to "that goes out," which can be a useful association for Portuguese speakers. Although there is no etymological relation, this mnemonic device has been recommended by Japanese teachers in teaching materials for beginners.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 経済学 (Keizaigaku) - Study of economics
• 財政 (Zaisei) - Public finances
• 金融 (Kin'yuu) - Financial sector, credit operations
• マネー (Manē) - Money, currency
• 財務 (Zaimu) - Financial management, corporate finance
• 財政学 (Zaiseigaku) - Study of public finance
• 財政政策 (Zaisei seisaku) - Fiscal policies
• 財政学者 (Zaiseigakusha) - Scholar or specialist in public finance
• 財政問題 (Zaisei mondai) - Financial problems or tax issues

経済

Romaji: keizai
Kana: けいざい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: economy; business; finance.

Meaning in English: economics;business;finance;economy

Definition: A field of social sciences that deals with the activities of production by people, the allocation of resources, and the exchange of goods.

Example Sentences - (経済) keizai

See below some example sentences:

下降する経済は心配です。

Koukou suru keizai wa shinpai desu

I am worried about the declining economy.

I am worried about the declining economy.

• 下降する - verb that means "to fall," "to decrease," "to diminish"
• 経済 - noun that means "economy"
• は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence, indicating that what follows is the main subject
• 心配 - noun that means "concern," "anxiety"
• です - verb that indicates the polite and formal form of the present tense of the verb "to be" or "to stay"

新興国の経済成長は驚くべきものです。

Shinkōkoku no keizai seichō wa odoroku beki mono desu

The economic growth of emerging countries is surprising.

• 新興国 - developing country
• の - Possession particle
• 経済成長 - Crescimento econômico
• は - Topic particle
• 驚くべき - surprising
• もの - thing
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

日本の経済が没落する可能性がある。

Nihon no keizai ga bottsuroku suru kanousei ga aru

The Japanese economy may fall.

• 日本 - Country name
• の - Possession particle
• 経済 - economy
• が - subject particle
• 没落する - decline, collapse
• 可能性 - possibility
• が - subject particle
• ある - verb "to exist"

民間企業は経済の発展に重要な役割を果たしています。

Minkan kigyou wa keizai no hatten ni juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashite imasu

Private companies play an important role in the development of the economy.

• 民間企業 - Private companies
• は - Topic particle
• 経済 - economy
• の - Possession particle
• 発展 - development
• に - target particle
• 重要 - important
• な - adjective particle
• 役割 - role/function
• を - direct object particle
• 果たしています - perform (verb)

経済は国の発展にとって非常に重要です。

Keizai wa kuni no hatten ni totte hijō ni jūyō desu

The economy is very important for the country's development.

• 経済 - Economy
• は - Topic particle
• 国 - Country
• の - Possessive particle
• 発展 - Development
• にとって - For
• 非常に - Very
• 重要 - Important
• です - Verb to be (formal)

経済の低下が心配です。

Keizai no teika ga shinpai desu

I'm worried about the downturn in the economy.

I am concerned about the downturn in the economy.

• 経済 - economy
• の - Possessive particle
• 低下 - decline, fall
• が - subject particle
• 心配 - WORRY
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

輸出は国の経済にとって重要な役割を果たしています。

Yushutsu wa kuni no keizai ni totte juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashiteimasu

Exports play an important role in the national economy.

• 輸出 (yushutsu) - Export
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 国 (kuni) - country
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 経済 (keizai) - economy
• にとって (ni totte) - for
• 重要 (juuyou) - important
• な (na) - adjectival particle
• 役割 (yakuwari) - Paper, function
• を果たしています (wo hatashite imasu) - performs