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
- Vocabulary
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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:

国会は重要な政治的機関です。

Kokkai wa juuyou na seijiteki kikan desu

Parliament is an important political institution.

Diet is an important political organization.

国会 - parliament
は - Topic particle
重要な - important
政治的 - political
機関 - institution
です - is

国定公園は美しい自然がたくさんあります。

Kokutei kōen wa utsukushii shizen ga takusan arimasu

Kokutei National Park has a lot of beautiful nature.

Kokusai Park has a lot of beautiful nature.

国定公園 - National park
は - Topic particle
美しい - pretty
自然 - Nature
が - Subject particle
たくさん - Very
あります - They exist

国境を越える旅がしたいです。

Kokkyō wo koeru tabi ga shitai desu

I want to take a trip crossing the border.

I want to travel the border.

国境 - country border
を - object particle
越える - cross, overtake
旅 - trip
が - subject particle
したい - to want to do
です - be (polite form)

国語は日本語の中でも特に重要な言語です。

Kokugo wa Nihongo no naka demo toku ni juuyou na gengo desu

Language is a particularly important language in Japanese.

国語 - national language
は - Topic particle
日本語 - Japanese language
の - Possession particle
中でも - among them
特に - Especially
重要な - important
言語 - Tongue
です - verb to be in the polite form

国王は国を統治する責任がある。

Kokuō wa kuni o tōchi suru sekinin ga aru

The king is responsible for the government of the country.

国王 - Rei
は - Topic particle
国を - Country
統治する - to rule
責任が - responsibility
ある - exist

国防は国家の安全を守るために重要です。

Kokubō wa kokka no anzen o mamoru tame ni jūyō desu

Defense is important to protect national security.

国防 - national defense
国家 - Estado, nação
安全 - security
守る - protect, guard
重要 - important

国連は世界平和と安全を促進するための重要な組織です。

Kokuren wa sekai heiwa to anzen o sokushin suru tame no juuyou na soshiki desu

The United Nations is an important organization for promoting world peace and security.

国連 (Kokuren) - 国際連合 (こくさいれんごう)
は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
世界 (sekai) - world
平和 (heiwa) - peace
と (to) - grammatical particle that connects words or phrases with the same meaning
安全 (anzen) - security
を (wo) - grammatical particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
促進する (sokushin suru) - promote, encourage
ための (tame no) - expression indicating the purpose of something
重要な (juuyou na) - important
組織 (soshiki) - organization
です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form