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:

軍隊は国の安全を守るために必要です。

Guntai wa kuni no anzen o mamoru tame ni hitsuyōdesu

The Army is needed to protect national security.

• 軍隊 - Army
• は - Topic particle
• 国 - Country
• の - Possessive particle
• 安全 - Security
• を - Direct object particle
• 守る - Protect
• ために - For
• 必要 - Necessary
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

軍隊は国家の安全を守るために必要です。

Gun tai wa kokka no anzen o mamoru tame ni hitsuyōdesu

The Army is needed to protect national security.

• 軍隊 (gun-tai) - army
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 国家 (kokka) - Nation, State
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 安全 (anzen) - security
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 守る (mamoru) - protect, guard
• ために (tame ni) - in order to
• 必要 (hitsuyou) - necessary
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

輸出は国の経済にとって重要な役割を果たしています。

Yushutsu wa kuni no keizai ni totte juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashiteimasu

Exports play an important role in the national economy.

• 輸出 (yushutsu) - Export
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 国 (kuni) - country
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 経済 (keizai) - economy
• にとって (ni totte) - for
• 重要 (juuyou) - important
• な (na) - adjectival particle
• 役割 (yakuwari) - Paper, function
• を果たしています (wo hatashite imasu) - performs