Translation guide
In Japanese, 'economic crisis' is most commonly expressed as 経済危機 (けいざいきき), a direct and widely understood term. Depending on context, related expressions like 不況 (ふきょう, recession) or 金融危機 (きんゆうきき, financial crisis) may be more natural.
A broad, severe downturn in the economy, often involving recession, unemployment, and market instability.
The standard, formal term for 'economic crisis'. Used in news, academic, and policy contexts.
世界は深刻な経済危機に直面している。
The world is facing a serious economic crisis.
経済危機の影響で多くの企業が倒産した。
Many companies went bankrupt due to the economic crisis.
Means 'recession' or 'economic slump'. Often used when the crisis is a prolonged downturn rather than a sudden collapse. More common in everyday speech than 経済危機.
不況で仕事が見つからない。
I can't find a job because of the recession.
この不況はいつまで続くのだろうか。
How long will this recession last?
Refers to a 'panic' or 'depression', a more severe and sudden economic crisis. Often used historically (e.g., the Great Depression).
1929年の世界恐慌は経済恐慌の典型例だ。
The Great Depression of 1929 is a classic example of an economic panic.
A crisis specifically in the financial sector, such as bank failures, stock market crashes, or currency collapses.
The standard term for 'financial crisis'. Use when the crisis originates in the financial system.
2008年の金融危機は世界中に広がった。
The 2008 financial crisis spread across the world.
金融危機を防ぐために規制が強化された。
Regulations were strengthened to prevent a financial crisis.
Literally 'crisis of the financial system'. Used when emphasizing systemic risk.
金融システムの危機が実体経済に波及した。
The crisis in the financial system spilled over into the real economy.
An individual's severe financial trouble, such as bankruptcy or inability to pay debts.
Used for personal financial crises. 経済的 (economic/financial) + 危機 (crisis).
彼は失業して経済的危機に陥った。
He lost his job and fell into a financial crisis.
Literally 'household budget crisis'. Refers to a family's financial emergency.
医療費がかさんで家計の危機だ。
Medical expenses are piling up, and our household finances are in crisis.
A more direct translation of 'financial crisis' for personal contexts, but less common than 経済的危機.
金銭的危機を乗り越える方法を探している。
I'm looking for ways to overcome my financial crisis.
経済危機 (けいざいきき) is a formal term for a full-blown economic crisis, often used in news and policy. 不況 (ふきょう) is more common in daily conversation and refers to a general recession or economic slump. If you're talking about a severe, acute crisis, use 経済危機; for a prolonged downturn, 不況 is better.
経済危機が起これば、政府は対策を急ぐ。
If an economic crisis occurs, the government will rush to take measures.
不況で給料が下がった。
My salary decreased due to the recession.
The English word 'panic' in economic contexts (e.g., 'bank panic') is not パニック but 恐慌 (きょうこう). 経済恐慌 (けいざいきょうこう) is a historical term for depressions, not everyday crises.
その国は経済危機の真っただ中にある。
The country is in the midst of an economic crisis.
パンデミック中、多くの家庭が経済的危機に直面した。
Many families faced a financial crisis during the pandemic.