1.
economy, economics
The system of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.
日本の経済は成長している。
Japan's economy is growing.
経済ニュースを毎日見ます。
I watch economic news every day.
大学で経済を学んでいる。
I'm studying economics at university.
2.
finance, financial affairs
Matters relating to money and financial management.
経済が厳しい。
Finances are tight.
経済的な車を買いたい。
I want to buy an economical car.
一人暮らしは経済的に大変だけど、自由でいい。
Living alone is financially tough, but it's nice to be free.
経済 refers to the economy (systems of production and consumption) or economics as a field of study.
COMMON COMPOUNDS:
- 経済的: economical, economic
- 経済学: economics (academic field)
- 経済{成長|けいざいせいちょう}: economic growth
- 経済{危機|けいざいきき}: economic crisis
- 経済{政策|けいざいせいさく}: economic policy
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 経済ニュース: economic news
- 世界経済: world economy
- 経済状況: economic situation
NOTE:
経済的 can mean both "economic" (relating to the economy) and "economical" (cost-effective, thrifty).