氷河期(ひょうがき)

ひょうがき
noun
ice age
time-periodgeography
1. ice age, glacial period
A geological period characterized by widespread glaciation and cold temperatures. Also used figuratively in Japanese to describe an extremely difficult period for job seekers, known as the 'employment ice age.'
地球(ちきゅう)は過去(かこ)に何度(なんど)も氷河期(ひょうがき)を経験(けいけん)している。
The Earth has experienced multiple ice ages in the past.
就職(しゅうしょく)氷河期(ひょうがき)世代(せだい)は厳(きび)しい雇用(こよう)環境(かんきょう)の中(なか)で社会(しゃかい)に出(で)た。
The employment ice age generation entered society amid harsh employment conditions.
氷河期(ひょうがき)には海面(かいめん)が大幅(おおはば)に低下(ていか)し、陸地(りくち)が広(ひろ)がっていた。
During the ice age, sea levels dropped significantly and land areas expanded.

Usage

While the literal geological meaning exists, the figurative use 就職(しゅうしょく)氷河期(ひょうがき) (employment ice age) is extremely common and culturally significant in Japan. It refers to the severe job market during the economic stagnation from the mid-1990s to early 2000s. The generation that graduated during this period is called the 氷河期(ひょうがき)世代(せだい) (ice age generation), and their employment difficulties remain a social issue.

Common collocations

  • 就職(しゅうしょく)氷河期(ひょうがき): employment ice age
  • 氷河期(ひょうがき)世代(せだい): ice age generation
  • 氷河期(ひょうがき)に入(はい)る: to enter an ice age
  • 最後(さいご)の氷河期(ひょうがき): the last ice age

Related Words

Related: 氷河(ひょうが) (glacier)
general
Added 2026.2.24 21:47 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
13000/13445_hyougaki