1.
economic superpower; major economic power
A country with a large, influential economy that plays a significant role in global markets and trade.
日本は世界有数の経済大国だ。
Japan is one of the world's leading economic superpowers.
経済大国として国際社会での責任も大きい。
As an economic superpower, it also bears great responsibility in the international community.
中国は急速な成長を遂げ、世界第二位の経済大国になった。
China achieved rapid growth and became the world's second-largest economic power.
A compound of 経済 (economy) + 大国 (great power/major nation). Frequently used in news and political discussions about Japan's postwar identity and international role.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 世界の経済大国: world economic power
- 経済大国としての責任: responsibility as an economic superpower
- 経済大国になる: to become an economic superpower
- 経済大国の地位: status as an economic power
CULTURAL CONTEXT:
Japan is often described as an 経済大国 in contrast to a 軍事大国 (military power), reflecting its postwar constitution and the emphasis on economic development over military expansion.
RELATED TERMS:
- 大国: major power, great nation
- 先進国: developed country
- 新興国: emerging nation