Translation and Meaning of: 国交 - kokkou

The Japanese word 国交 (こっこう) may seem simple at first glance, but it carries important meanings in the political and social context of Japan. If you are studying Japanese or have an interest in terms related to international relations, understanding the use and origin of this expression is essential. In this article, we will explore its meaning, how it is perceived in Japan, and tips for memorizing it effectively.

In addition to being a word frequently used in news and diplomatic discussions, 国交 also reveals interesting aspects of the Japanese language, such as its composition in kanji. If you have ever wondered how this term is applied in everyday life or why it is relevant, keep reading to discover all of this and more.

Meaning and use of 国交

国交 (こっこう) means "diplomatic relations" or "exchange between nations." It is composed of the kanji 国 (country) and 交 (exchange, relationship), forming a clear idea of connection between different countries. This term is often used in formal contexts, such as in political speeches, newspaper articles, and official documents.

A common example of usage is the expression 国交を樹立する (こっこうをじゅりつする), which means "to establish diplomatic relations." The term also appears in discussions about trade agreements, peace treaties, and international cooperation. Being a more technical vocabulary, it is not usually used in everyday conversations, but its understanding is fundamental for those studying politics or foreign relations.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The origin of 国交 dates back to the classical use of the kanjis that compose it. The character 国 (kuni) represents "country" or "nation," while 交 (kou) conveys the idea of "crossing" or "exchange." Together, they form a concept that reflects the interaction between states. This combination is not random, but rather a logical construction within the Japanese writing system.

It is worth noting that 交 appears in other words related to relationships and connections, such as 交流 (こうりゅう - cultural exchange) and 交渉 (こうしょう - negotiation). This similarity can aid in memorization, as the radical is repeated in terms with similar meanings. Studying these patterns is an effective strategy for expanding vocabulary in Japanese.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An efficient way to memorize 国交 is to associate it with historical events or recent news about international relations. For example, thinking about moments when Japan established or broke diplomatic ties with other countries can help contextualize the term. Additionally, creating flashcards with examples of real usage makes it easier to absorb the vocabulary.

Interestingly, 国交 is not a very old word in the Japanese language, but it gained relevance especially after the Meiji Restoration, when Japan began to open up to the world. Its use increased significantly in the post-war period, accompanying the country’s reintegration into the global stage. This historical aspect demonstrates how language evolves alongside social and political transformations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 外交 (Gaiyō) - Foreign policy, relations between countries.
• 国際関係 (Kokusai Kankei) - International relations, interaction between nations in a global context.
• 国家間の関係 (Kokka-kan no Kankei) - Relations between States, specific relations that deal with interactions between two or more countries.

国交

Romaji: kokkou
Kana: こっこう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: diplomatic relations

Meaning in English: diplomatic relations

Definition: To establish diplomatic relations with another country and mutual recognition of the other country.

Example Sentences - (国交) kokkou

See below some example sentences:

日本とブラジルの国交は長い歴史があります。

Nihon to Burajiru no kokkou wa nagai rekishi ga arimasu

Diplomatic relations between Japan and Brazil have a long history.

• 日本 - Japan
• と - I'm sorry, but I need a text or string to translate from Portuguese to English. Please provide the content you'd like me to work on.
• ブラジル - Brazil
• の - of
• 国交 - diplomatic relations
• は - are
• 長い - longas
• 歴史 - history
• が - have
• あります - existed