Translation and Meaning of: 本国 - hongoku

The Japanese word 「本国」 (hongoku) is composed of two distinct kanji: 「本」 and 「国」. The first kanji, 「本」 (hon), translates to "root," "origin," or "book," depending on the context. It is also used to denote something fundamental or principal. The second kanji, 「国」 (koku), means "country" or "nation." When combined, these kanji form the term 「本国」, which is generally translated as "country of origin" or "homeland."

The etymological origin of 「本国」 dates back to the use of classical Chinese characters. Since ancient times, especially in China and Japan, there was a need for specific terms to designate the homeland, as people began to travel to distant regions for commercial, educational, or political reasons. In Japanese, 「本国」 came to be used to distinguish between foreign lands and someone's country of origin.

From a cultural point of view, the expression 「本国」 carries a deep sense of identity and belonging. For many Japanese living abroad, 「本国」 evokes an emotional connection with Japan, recalling traditions, cuisine, and daily life that define life in the country. This term is often used in contexts that discuss citizenship, immigration, and diasporas, reflecting their roots and the importance of the homeland in discussions about culture and identity. Thus, 「本国」 remains a relevant concept in modern conversations, both in Japan and among Japanese communities around the world.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 自国 (jikoku) - My own country
• 国内 (kokunai) - Within the country
• 内国 (naikoku) - Internal country
• 国土 (kokudo) - National territory
• 国内の (kokunai no) - Of country, domestic
• 国内の自分の (kokunai no jibun no) - My own within the country
• 自分の国 (jibun no kuni) - My country
• 自分の国内 (jibun no kokunai) - My countryside
• 国内の自己の (kokunai no jiko no) - My self within the country
• 自己の国 (jiko no kuni) - My country (reflexive)
• 自己の国内 (jiko no kokunai) - My country interior (reflective)
• 本国の (hongoku no) - From the country of origin
• 本国内の (hongoku nai no) - Within the country of origin
• 本国の自分の (hongoku no jibun no) - My own in the country of origin.
• 本国の自己の (hongoku no jiko no) - My me in the country of origin

本国

Romaji: hongoku
Kana: ほんごく
Type: noun
L: -

Translation / Meaning: your own country

Meaning in English: one's own country

Definition: About this country. Or the citizens of this country.

Example Sentences - (本国) hongoku

See below some example sentences:

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.