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:

彼は国を治める能力がある。

Kare wa kuni o osameru nouryoku ga aru

He has the ability to rule a country.

He has the ability to rule the country.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 国 - Japanese noun that means "country"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 治める - Japanese verb that means "to govern."
• 能力 - Japanese noun meaning "skill" or "ability"
• が - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ある - Japanese verb that means "to exist"
• . - punctuation mark that indicates the end of the sentence

政府は国民のために働くべきです。

Seifu wa kokumin no tame ni hataraku beki desu

The government must work for the people.

• 政府 (seifu) - government
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 国民 (kokumin) - citizens, people
• のために (no tame ni) - for, for the benefit of
• 働く (hataraku) - to work
• べきです (beki desu) - should, should

政策は国の未来を決める重要な要素です。

Seisaku wa kuni no mirai o kimeru juuyou na youso desu

Politics is an important element that decides the country's future.

Politics is an important factor in determining the country's future.

• 政策 (seisaku) - Policy
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 国 (kuni) - Country
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 未来 (mirai) - Future
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 決める (kimeru) - Decide
• 重要な (juuyou na) - Important
• 要素 (yousou) - Element
• です (desu) - polite way of being

新興国の経済成長は驚くべきものです。

Shinkōkoku no keizai seichō wa odoroku beki mono desu

The economic growth of emerging countries is surprising.

• 新興国 - developing country
• の - Possession particle
• 経済成長 - Crescimento econômico
• は - Topic particle
• 驚くべき - surprising
• もの - thing
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

日の丸は日本の国旗です。

Nihon no maru wa Nihon no kokki desu

Hinomaru is a Japanese flag.

• 日の丸 - rising sun flag
• は - Topic marking particle
• 日本 - Japan
• の - Possession particle
• 国旗 - National flag
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

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

日本は美しい国です。

Nihon wa utsukushii kuni desu

Japan is a beautiful country.

• 日本 - Proper name, referring to the country Japan.
• は - Grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "Japan".
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful" or "pretty".
• 国 - Noun that means "country".
• です - verb "to be" in a polite and formal way.

本国の文化は多様で美しいです。

Honkoku no bunka wa tayou de utsukushii desu

The culture of the home country is diverse and beautiful.

• 本国 - It means "country of origin" or "home country".
• の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
• 文化 - refers to the culture of a people or nation.
• は - particle that indicates the main theme of the sentence.
• 多様 - means "diverse" or "varied".
• で - particle that indicates the means or way in which something is done.
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful" or "pretty".
• です - verb "to be" in the polite or formal form.

海運は国際貿易にとって重要な役割を果たしています。

Kaiun wa kokusai bōeki ni totte jūyōna yakuwari o hatashite imasu

Maritime transport plays an important role in international trade.

The transport of water plays an important role in international trade.

• 海運 (kaigun) - Maritime transport
• 国際貿易 (kokusai boueki) - international trade
• にとって (ni totte) - for
• 重要な (juuyou na) - important
• 役割 (yakuwari) - role/function
• を果たしています (o hatashite imasu) - performs

祭日は国民の休日です。

Saijitsu wa kokumin no kyūjitsu desu

Holidays are days of rest for citizens.

Holidays are national holidays.

• 祭日 - Holiday
• は - Topic marking particle
• 国民 - people/national
• の - Possession particle
• 休日 - Day off
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present