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

Related words

母国

bokoku

your homeland

本国

hongoku

your own country

天国

tengoku

Paradise; sky; Kingdom of Heaven

全国

zenkoku

all over the country; at the national level; the entire territory; national.

国家

koka

state; country; nation

国会

kokkai

National Diet; Parliament; Congress

国交

kokkou

diplomatic relations

国立

kokuritsu

national

国連

kokuren

UN United Nations.

国王

kokuou

rei

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.

Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (国) kuni

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (国) kuni:

Example Sentences - (国) kuni

See below some example sentences:

私の母国は日本です。

Watashi no bokoku wa Nihon desu

My home country is Japan.

私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "of"
母国 - "native country"
は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "is"
日本 - noun meaning "Japan"
です - verb "to be" in the present, equivalent to "is"

立法は国の発展に欠かせない。

Rippō wa kuni no hatten ni kakasenai

The legislation is indispensable for the development of the country.

立法 - means "legislation" in Japanese.
は - it is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "legislation."
国 - "País" significa "国" (kuni) em japonês.
の - it is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates possession or relationship, in this case, "of the country."
発展 - It means "development" in Japanese.
に - it is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates action or destination, in this case, "for development".
欠かせない - it is an adjective in Japanese that means "essential" or "indispensable".

経済は国の発展にとって非常に重要です。

Keizai wa kuni no hatten ni totte hijō ni jūyō desu

The economy is very important for the country's development.

経済 - Economy
は - Topic particle
国 - Country
の - Possessive particle
発展 - Development
にとって - For
非常に - Very
重要 - Important
です - Verb to be (formal)

統一は国家の発展に不可欠な要素です。

Tōitsu wa kokka no hatten ni fukaketsu na yōso desu

Unification is an essential element for the development of the nation.

統一 - means "unity" in Japanese.
は - It is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
国家 - means "state" or "nation" in Japanese.
の - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates possession or the relationship between two words.
発展 - means "development" or "growth" in Japanese.
に - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the direction or purpose of an action.
不可欠 - means "essential" or "indispensable" in Japanese.
な - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the adjectivization of a word.
要素 - means "element" or "factor" in Japanese.
です - is a polite and respectful way of saying "to be" or "to be" in Japanese.

統治は国家の安定に不可欠な要素です。

Touji wa kokka no antei ni fukaketsu na youso desu

Government is an essential element for the stability of the nation.

統治 - governance
国家 - nation-state
安定 - stability
不可欠 - indispensable
要素 - element

総理大臣は国の最高指導者です。

Sōridaijin wa kuni no saikō shidōsha desu

The prime minister is the highest leader of the country.

総理大臣 - Prime Minister
は - Topic particle
国 - Country
の - Possessive particle
最高 - Louder, the loudest
指導者 - Leader, guide, mentor
です - Verb "to be" in the present

色々な人種が交じる国際都市。

Irokurona jinshu ga majiru kokusai toshi

An international city where various races mix.

An international city with multiple races.

色々な - means "various" or "diverse".
人種 - means "race".
が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
交じる - means "to mix" or "to intermingle".
国際 - means "international".
都市 - means "city".

解放された国民は自由に生きることができる。

Kaihō sareta kokumin wa jiyū ni ikiru koto ga dekiru

Liberated people can live freely.

解放された - freed
国民 - citizens
は - Topic particle
自由に - freely
生きる - live
ことが - nominal particle
できる - Be able to

課税は国の財源の一つです。

Kazei wa kuni no zaigen no hitotsu desu

The tax is one of the national financial resources.

課税 - means "tax" in Japanese.
は - Topic particle in Japanese, which indicates the subject of the sentence.
国 - "País" significa "国" (kuni) em japonês.
の - particle of possession in Japanese, which indicates that "財源" belongs to "国".
財源 - means "source of income" in Japanese.
の - particle of possession in Japanese, which indicates that "一つ" belongs to "財源".
一つ - means "one" in Japanese, indicating that "財源" is one of the country's sources of income.
です - verb "to be" in Japanese, indicating that the sentence is a statement.