IA01 · Economy

Before you start

This level assumes the intermediate level and intermediate grammar. Words are in kanji with furigana, and the notes explain their register: which belong to the press and documents and which to conversation.

What you learn

At this level there are two registers: two-kanji words for the press and reports (上昇, 低下) and native verbs for speaking (上がる, 下がる). Learn both.

You practise them in kana; underneath you can see how they are usually written.

• 景気けいきkeikistate of the economy景気 is how the economy is doing: 景気が いい (the economy is doing well). 経済 (IN11) is the economy itself.
• 物価ぶっかbukkaprices, cost of living物価 is prices in general; 値段 is the price of one thing.
• 上昇じょうしょうjoushourise, increaseWritten register: news and reports use 上昇する instead of 上がる (to go up). In conversation, say 上がる.
• 低下ていかteikafall, declineWritten register, the opposite of 上昇: 低下する instead of 下がる (to go down). Also for quality or ability: 体力の 低下.
• 需要じゅようjuyoudemandPairs with 供給 (supply): 需要と 供給.
• 供給きょうきゅうkyoukyuusupply
• 輸出ゆしゅつyushutsuexport輸出 (export) and 輸入 (import) share 輸, «transport»: 出 is out and 入 is in.
• 輸入ゆにゅうyunyuuimport
• 企業きぎょうkigyoucompany, enterprise企業 is a company as an economic entity (大企業, big company); 会社 is the everyday word. Don't confuse it with 起業 (きぎょう, founding a company).
• 利益りえきriekiprofit

Practice

A short text with words and grammar you already know; kanji carry their reading above. Read it and answer.