国 — meaning in English: Country

kuni · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for country

豆

フィギュア

国

kuni

説明

アール

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 国 when discussing their nationality, such as in sentences like '私は日本の国民です' (I am a citizen of Japan). It can also be employed in formal conversations about international relations, like during diplomatic talks or news reports about different countries.

Synonyms & nuances

While 国 specifically refers to a country or nation, the word 国家 (kokka) is used in more formal or legal contexts, emphasizing a state's governance. You would use 国 in everyday conversations but might choose 国家 when discussing laws or international agreements.

Culture

The character 国 is composed of the radical for 'enclosure' (囗) and 'go' (行), symbolizing a place where people gather and live together. In Japanese culture, 'country' often evokes feelings of pride, especially when discussing Japan's rich heritage and traditions, making it a staple in conversations about identity and belonging.

FAQ

Q.What is the meaning of 国 in Japanese?

国 means 'country' in Japanese, representing a nation or a state. It is commonly used in various contexts, from casual discussions about different countries to formal international relations.

Q.How do you pronounce 国 in Japanese?

国 is pronounced as 'kuni'. It's essential to master the pronunciation as it can help you with other related vocabulary.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 国?

A common mistake is confusing 国 with 県 (ken), which means 'prefecture'. While both refer to geographical regions, 国 usually denotes an entire nation, while 県 refers to smaller administrative divisions within Japan.

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