Translation and Meaning of: 国際 - kokusai

The Japanese word 国際 [こくさい] is an essential term for anyone studying the language or interested in Japan's culture. Its meaning goes beyond simple translation, reflecting important aspects of Japanese society and its relations with the world. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used in everyday life, and some curiosities that may help with memorization.

If you've ever wondered how the Japanese perceive the concept of "international" or how this word appears in formal and informal contexts, keep reading. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide clear and precise explanations, based on reliable sources, so you can learn Japanese efficiently.

Meaning and origin of 国際 [こくさい]

The word 国際 [こくさい] is composed of two kanji: 国 (koku), which means "country," and 際 (sai), which can be translated as "border" or "limit." Together, they form the concept of "international," something that is between nations or that involves more than one country. This construction is common in Japanese, where kanji combine to create more complex terms.

The use of 国際 began to become popular in Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912), when the country underwent a greater opening to the Western world. Before that, Japan had a political isolation known as sakoku, and terms related to international relations were less frequent. With modernization, words like 国際 gained importance in the Japanese vocabulary.

How 国際 is used in everyday life

In daily life, 国際 appears in various contexts, from news to informal conversations. You can find it in expressions like 国際結婚 (kokusai kekkon, international marriage) or 国際空港 (kokusai kūkō, international airport). These terms show how the word is related to situations involving interaction between cultures.

Furthermore, 国際 is frequently used in the names of organizations and events. One example is the 国際連合 (Kokusai Rengō), which means "United Nations." This application reinforces the sense of cooperation among countries, an important value in contemporary Japanese society.

Tips for memorizing 国際 [こくさい]

An effective way to remember this word is to associate the kanjis that compose it with their meaning. Think of 国 as "country" and 際 as "meeting" or "limit." Together, they represent the idea of something that happens between nations. This technique of breaking down kanjis is useful for learning other similar terms.

Another tip is to practice with real examples. Watching Japanese news or reading articles about international politics can help reinforce the use of 国際 in authentic contexts. Many students also create flashcards with phrases like 国際会議 (kokusai kaigi, international conference) to strengthen their learning.

Curiosities about International [こくさい]

An interesting fact is that, although 国際 is the most common way to refer to international issues, the Japanese also use the word グローバル (gurōbaru), derived from the English "global." However, 国際 has a more formal tone and is preferred in official contexts, while グローバル appears more in discussions about business or pop culture.

Additionally, the kanji 際 in 国際 can also be seen in other words related to meetings or specific moments, such as 実際 (jissai, in reality) or 際立つ (kiwadatsu, to stand out). Recognizing these patterns helps to expand vocabulary more naturally.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

国外 (Kugai) - Abroad
外国 (Gaikoku) - Foreign country
海外 (Kaigai) - Abroad, outside the country
国際的 (Kokusai-teki) - International, relating to various nations
国際的な (Kokusai-teki na) - International (adj.)
インターナショナル (Intānashonaru) - International (in English, used in the modern context)