1.
tailwind; following wind
Wind blowing in the same direction one is traveling, making movement easier.
追い風を受けて船が進む。
The ship moves forward with the tailwind.
強い追い風のおかげで記録が出た。
A record was set thanks to a strong tailwind.
陸上の短距離では、追い風が秒速二メートルを超えると公認記録にならない。
In track sprints, if the tailwind exceeds two meters per second, the record is not officially recognized.
2.
boost; favorable conditions; advantage
Figuratively, circumstances that help or promote progress toward a goal.
円安が輸出の追い風になる。
A weak yen provides a tailwind for exports.
政策の追い風を受けて業績が伸びた。
Performance grew thanks to favorable government policies.
リモートワークの普及がIT企業にとって大きな追い風となった。
The spread of remote work became a major boost for IT companies.
Compound of 追い (chasing, following) + 風 (wind). Antonym: 向かい風 (headwind; adversity).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 追い風を受ける (to catch a tailwind; to benefit from favorable conditions)
- 追い風になる (to become a tailwind/advantage)
- 追い風に乗る (to ride a tailwind)
USAGE NOTE:
The figurative sense is very common in business and economic reporting. 追い風 and 向かい風 are frequently paired as metaphors for favorable and unfavorable conditions.