Translation and Meaning of: 国 - kuni

The Japanese word 国[くに] is one of those that frequently appears in dialogues, texts, and even in place names. If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about the meaning and usage of this expression, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will explore everything from the basic translation to cultural aspects and practical tips for memorizing its kanji. After all, understanding くに goes beyond knowing that it means "country" – there are interesting nuances that reveal much about the language and the Japanese mindset.

Meaning and translation of 国[くに]

In its simplest form, 国[くに] can be translated as "country" or "nation." However, its meaning goes a little further than that. Depending on the context, the word can also refer to a region, homeland, or even a territory governed by a sovereign. This flexibility makes it appear in different situations, from everyday conversations to historical texts.

It is worth noting that くに is not used only for foreign nations. When a Japanese person speaks about their own country, it is common to hear expressions like 日本国[にほんこく] (State of Japan) or simply 国 in informal contexts. This duality between the formal and colloquial makes the word even more interesting for language students.

Origin and writing of the kanji 国

The kanji 国 is composed of two main elements: the radical 囗 (which represents a limit or boundary) and the character 玉 (which originally meant "jewel" or "treasure"). Together, they convey the idea of a valuable and defined territory – something essential to the concept of a nation. This composition reflects the historical importance of borders and sovereignty in Japanese thought.

Interestingly, the kanji 国 had other forms in ancient China, but the current version was simplified and standardized in Japan during the post-war reforms. Despite the changes, its central meaning has remained intact, illustrating how Japanese writing can preserve concepts even as its graphic representation evolves.

Cultural usage and frequency in everyday life

In Japan, くに is not just a term from the political vocabulary. It appears in everyday expressions, such as 国へ帰る[くにへかえる] (returning to one's home country) or 国のために[くにのために] (for the sake of the country). This type of construction reveals how the concept of nation is deeply connected to personal identity and a sense of belonging in Japanese culture.

Moreover, 国 is frequently used in the names of institutions, such as 国立博物館[こくりつはくぶつかん] (National Museum) or 国語[こくご] (national language). Its presence in these terms reinforces its importance not only in daily communication but also in official and educational contexts. For those studying Japanese, recognizing these patterns can be a great help when it comes to expanding vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 日本 (Nihon) - Japan
• 大和 (Yamato) - Great Japan, often associated with ancient Japanese culture
• 邦 (Kuni) - Country, nation
• 国土 (Kokudo) - National territory
• 国家 (Kokka) - Nation, State
• 国籍 (Kokuseki) - nationality
• 国民 (Kokumin) - Citizens, people of a country
• 国内 (Kokunai) - Inside the country, national
• 国外 (Kugai) - Abroad, international
• 国際 (Kokusai) - International
• 国力 (Kokuryoku) - National Force
• 国威 (Kokui) - National prestige
• 国益 (Kokueki) - National interests
• 国事 (Kokuji) - State Affections, national matters
• 国政 (Kokusei) - National policy
• 国庫 (Kokko) - National treasury, state treasure
• 国費 (Kokuhika) - State Costs
• 国産 (Kokusan) - Produced in the country
• 国営 (Koku ei) - Operated by the State
• 国有 (Kokuyu) - State property
• 国立 (Kokuritsu) - National institution
• 国境 (Kokkyou) - National border
• 国旗 (Kokki) - National flag
• 国歌 (Kokka) - National anthem
• 国章 (Kokushou) - National emblem
• 国民栄誉賞 (Kokumin Eiyo Shou) - Citizen's Honor Award
• 国民的 (Kokumin teki) - Of national character, popular among citizens

国

Romaji: kuni
Kana: くに
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: country

Meaning in English: country

Definition: A political unit in which people living in a particular area form a community.

Example Sentences - (国) kuni

See below some example sentences:

条約は国家間の合意を示します。

Jouyaku wa kokka-kan no gōi o shimeshimasu.

The treaty shows an agreement between nations.

• 条約 (jōyaku) - treaty
• 国家 (kokka) - nations, countries
• 間 (kan) - between
• 合意 (gōi) - agreement
• 示します (shimeshimasu) - show, represent

産業は国の発展に欠かせないものです。

Sangyō wa kuni no hatten ni kakasenai mono desu

Industry is essential for the development of the country.

Industry is indispensable for the development of the country.

• 産業 (さんぎょう) - Industry
• 国 (くに) - Country
• 発展 (はってん) - Development
• 欠かせない (かかせない) - INDISPENSABLE
• もの (もの) - Thing
• です (です) - Verb ser/estar (polite form)

女王は国を治める力を持っている。

Joou wa kuni wo osameru chikara wo motte iru

The Queen has the power to govern the country.

The Queen has the power to govern the country.

• 女王 - Means "queen" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle in Japanese.
• 国 - "País" significa "国" (kuni) em japonês.
• を - Object particle in Japanese.
• 治める - means "to govern" or "manage" in Japanese.
• 力 - means "power" or "strength" in Japanese.
• を - Object particle in Japanese.
• 持っている - means "to have" or "to possess" in Japanese.

長官は国の重要なポジションです。

Choukan wa kuni no juuyou na pojiton desu

The office of choukan is an important position in the country.

The secretary is an important position for the country.

• 長官 - means "boss" or "leader" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle in Japanese, used to indicate the subject of the sentence.
• 国 - "País" significa "国" (kuni) em japonês.
• の - Japanese particle of possession, used to indicate that a "country" owns something.
• 重要な - means "important" in Japanese, used as an adjective for "ポジション".
• ポジション - means "position" in English, but is often used in Japanese to refer to a job or position.
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, used to indicate that the sentence is a statement or affirmation.

防衛は国の重要な役割です。

Bouei wa kuni no juuyou na yakuwari desu

Defense is an important role of the country.

Defense is an important role in the country.

• 防衛 - defense
• は - Topic particle
• 国 - country
• の - Possession particle
• 重要な - important
• 役割 - Paper, function
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

韓国は半島の南部に位置しています。

Kankoku wa hantō no nanbu ni ichi shite imasu

South Korea is located in the southern part of the Peninsula.

• 韓国 - It corresponds to the name of the country, written in Japanese (Kanji).
• は - Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 半島 - It means "peninsula", also written in Kanji.
• の - Japanese grammatical particle that indicates possession or a relationship between two things.
• 南部 - It means "southern part", also written in Kanji.
• に - Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the location of something.
• 位置しています - Verb meaning "to be located", conjugated in the present tense and written in hiragana.

高尚な文化を持つ国です。

Takashō na bunka o motsu kuni desu

It is a country with a noble culture.

• 高尚な - sophisticated, refined
• 文化 - culture
• を - direct object particle
• 持つ - possess, have
• 国 - country
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

運輸業は国の経済にとって重要な役割を果たしています。

Un'yu gyō wa kuni no keizai ni totte jūyōna yakuwari o hatashite imasu

The transport industry plays an important role in the national economy.

The transport industry plays an important role in the national economy.

• 運輸業 - Transportation industry
• は - Topic particle
• 国 - country
• の - Possession particle
• 経済 - economy
• にとって - for
• 重要な - important
• 役割 - paper
• を果たしています - performs

通貨は国の経済に大きな影響を与えます。

Tsūka wa kuni no keizai ni ōkina eikyō o ataemasu

The currency has a significant impact on a country's economy.

The currency has a significant impact on the national economy.

• 通貨 - means "coin" in Japanese.
• 国 - "País" significa "国" (kuni) em japonês.
• 経済 - means "economy" in Japanese.
• 大きな - means "big" in Japanese.
• 影響 - means "impact" in Japanese.
• 与えます - means "to give" in Japanese, but in this context it can be translated as "to have" or "to exercise".

議員は国民の代表である。

Gin'in wa kokumin no daihyō de aru

Members of parliament are representatives of the people.

Parliament is a representative of the people.

• 議員 - means "member of parliament" in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 国民 - It means "people" or "citizens" in Japanese.
• の - Possession particle in Japanese
• 代表 - means "representative" in Japanese
• である - formal way of saying "to be" in Japanese