Translation and Meaning of: 国民 - kokumin
The Japanese word 国民 [こくみん] is an essential term for anyone studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday Japanese. In addition, we will understand its cultural context and some tips for memorizing it efficiently. If you are looking for a reliable Japanese dictionary, Suki Nihongo is a great reference to deepen your knowledge.
Meaning and Translation of 国民
国民 [こくみん] can be translated as "people" or "nation," referring to the citizens of a country. Unlike 市民 [しみん], which more specifically refers to "residents of a city," 国民 has a broader sense, linked to national identity. It is commonly seen in political, legal, and social contexts, such as discussions about the rights and duties of citizens.
In phrases like "国民の義務" (duties of the people) or "国民健康保険" (national health insurance), its practical application is evident. The word carries a formal tone, being frequently used in official documents and public speeches. Its use points to collectivism, highlighting the relationship between the individual and the state.
Origin and Historical Use
The composition of 国民 comes from the kanjis 国 (country) and 民 (people), literally reflecting the idea of "people of the nation." Its origin dates back to the Meiji period (1868-1912), when Japan underwent modernization and consolidated concepts of citizenship and national identity. During this time, the term gained traction in legal and educational texts.
Over time, 国民 became part of everyday vocabulary while retaining its formal character. During World War II, for example, it was often used in government propaganda to encourage patriotism. Today, it still appears in debates about public policies and social issues, demonstrating its ongoing relevance.
Tips for Memorizing and Curiosities
An effective way to memorize 国民 is to associate its kanji with mental images. For example, 国 (country) can be remembered as a defined territory, while 民 (people) refers to united individuals. Combining the two, we have "the people of the country." This visual technique helps to avoid confusion with similar terms, such as 民族 [みんぞく] (ethnic group).
Interestingly, 国民 appears in various anthems and official speeches, reinforcing its role in shaping Japanese identity. A common expression is 国民全体 [こくみんぜんたい] (the entire nation), used to emphasize collective actions. If you watch animes or political dramas, you have likely encountered this word in serious or historical contexts.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 国民 (Kokumin) - Citizen, people
- 国民的 (Kokumin-teki) - National, typical of the people
- 国民性 (Kokumin-sei) - National characteristics
- 国民主権 (Kokumin shuken) - Popular sovereignty
- 国民経済 (Kokumin keizai) - National economy
- 国民生活 (Kokumin seikatsu) - Life of citizens
- 国民健康 (Kokumin kenkou) - Public health
- 国民教育 (Kokumin kyouiku) - National education
- 国民意識 (Kokumin ishiki) - National consciousness
- 国民感情 (Kokumin kanjou) - Feelings of the population
- 国民性格 (Kokumin seikaku) - Personality of the people
- 国民文化 (Kokumin bunka) - National culture
- 国民的英雄 (Kokumin-teki eiyuu) - National hero
- 国民投票 (Kokumin touhyou) - Popular vote
- 国民所得 (Kokumin shotoku) - National income
- 国民年金 (Kokumin nenkin) - National pension
- 国民皆兵 (Kokumin kaibou) - Mandatory military service for all citizens
- 国民栄誉賞 (Kokumin eiyo shou) - National Honor Award
Related words
Romaji: kokumin
Kana: こくみん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3
Translation / Meaning: national; people; citizen
Meaning in English: national;people;citizen
Definition: People who have the nationality of a specific country.
Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (国民) kokumin
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (国民) kokumin:
Example Sentences - (国民) kokumin
See below some example sentences:
Gin'in wa kokumin no daihyō de aru
Members of parliament are representatives of the people.
Parliament is a representative of the people.
- 議員 - means "member of parliament" in Japanese
- は - Japanese topic particle
- 国民 - It means "people" or "citizens" in Japanese.
- の - Possession particle in Japanese
- 代表 - means "representative" in Japanese
- である - formal way of saying "to be" in Japanese
Keizai no teitai wa kokumin ni ookina eikyou wo ataeru
The stagnation of the economy has a big impact on citizens.
Economic stagnation has a significant impact on the people.
- 経済 (keizai) - economy
- の (no) - Possessive particle
- 停滞 (teitai) - stagnation
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 国民 (kokumin) - citizens of the country
- に (ni) - target particle
- 大きな (ookina) - large
- 影響 (eikyou) - influence, impact
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 与える (ataeru) - give, grant
Renpō seifu wa kokumin no fukushi o mamoru tame ni jinryoku shiteimasu
The federal government is working to protect the welfare of the people.
- 連邦政府 - - federal government
- は - - Topic particle
- 国民 - - people/nationality
- の - - Possessive particle
- 福祉 - - well-being
- を - - direct object particle
- 守る - - protect
- ために - - for
- 尽力しています - - trying hard
Kono hōan wa kokumin no rieki o mamoru tame ni hitsuyō desu
This bill is necessary to protect the interests of the people.
- この法案 - This law
- は - is
- 国民の利益 - the interest of the people
- を - (object particle)
- 守る - protect
- ために - for
- 必要 - necessary
- です - is (politeness)
Koumu wa kokumin no tame ni okonawareru juuyou na shigoto desu
Public affairs are an important job for people.
- 公務 - public work
- は - Topic particle
- 国民 - citizens of the country
- のために - for the benefit of
- 行われる - completed
- 重要な - important
- 仕事 - work
- です - is
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
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
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
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
