What is the Kanji for "Country"?

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for "Country", you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for "Country" is "国".

This kanji has 2 readings:

Its kunyomi reading is "Kuni".

Its onyomi reading is "Koku".

kunyomi readings are based on the pronunciation of native Japanese words, and onyomi readings are based on the Chinese pronunciation of the character.

If you visually breakdown this kanji, you can see is made up of 2 parts:

The kanji "玉" means "Ball" and "Jewel" and can be read as "Gyoku" and "Tama". And The kanji "口" means "Mouth" and can be read as "Ku", "Kuchi", and "Kou".

Now, let's make sure you understand this kanji the other way around too.

What does the kanji "国" mean in japanese?

"国" means "Country".

Japanese School Students learn this kanji in Second Grade, while foreigners may learn this kanji in preparation for the JLPT N5 exam.

Here are some words that use this kanji:

国: "Country". The Japanese noun '国 (くに)' means 'country'. This word is used to refer to a geographical area that is politically and/or culturally distinct, with its own government, laws, and customs. It can be used to describe both large nations as well as smaller territories. For example: I live in Japan - (私は日本の国に住んでいます). This is a beautiful country - (この国はとても美しい).

中国: "China". The proper noun '中国 (ちゅうごく)' refers to the country of China. China is the world's most populous country and the fourth-largest country by land area. It has a rich history and culture, and is known for its ancient civilization, beautiful landscapes, and rapid economic development in modern times. For example: I visited China last year - (私は昨年中国を訪れました).

国民: "Citizen". The Japanese noun '国民(こくみん)' means 'citizen'. It refers to a person who is a legal member of a country or nation. 国民 can be used to talk about the general population of a country or to refer to a specific individual who is a citizen. For example: The citizens of Japan - (日本の国民). She is a Japanese citizen - (彼女は日本の国民です).

国家: "Nation". The Japanese noun '国家 (こっか)' means 'nation'. This word refers to a large political entity that has its own government, territory, and people. It is used to describe a country or a sovereign state. For example: Our nation is prosperous - (私たちの国家は栄えている). The nation declared war - (国家は戦争を宣言した).

国際: "International". The noun '国際 (こくさい)' means 'international'. This word is used to describe things that involve or relate to multiple countries or that cross national borders. It can be used to describe organizations, agreements, events, and other concepts that have a global or worldwide scope. For example: The international conference - (国際会議). He works for an international company - (彼は国際企業で働いています).

帰国: "Return". The verbal noun '帰国 (きこく)' means 'return'. It refers to the act of returning to one's home country or place of origin after being abroad. This term is commonly used when discussing international travel, immigration, or people relocating back to their native land. For example: He returned to his home country - (彼は自国に帰国した). I'm planning to return to Japan next month - (私は来月日本に帰国する予定です).

外国人: "Foreigner". The Japanese noun '外国人 (がいこくじん)' refers to a person who is not a citizen or native of the country they are currently in. It is used to describe someone who comes from a different country. This word is neutral in its connotation and can be used to simply state the person's nationality, without any particular judgment or opinion. For example: The foreigner enjoyed his time in Japan - (外国人は日本での時間を楽しんだ). I met a foreigner at the park - (公園で外国人に会った).

外国語: "Foreign language". The Japanese noun '外国語 (がいこくご)' refers to a language that is not the native or primary language of a particular country or region. It is used to describe languages that are learned and spoken as a second or additional language. For example: I am studying a foreign language - (外国語を勉強しています). She speaks many foreign languages - (彼女は多くの外国語を話します).

外国: "Foreign country". The noun '外国 (がいこく)' means 'foreign country'. It refers to a country other than one's own, especially when the context is from the perspective of a specific nation or culture. This word is often used to describe places, people, customs, or products that originate from nations outside of one's native land. For example: I visited a foreign country last summer - (私は先夏、外国を訪れました). He is interested in the culture of foreign countries - (彼は外国の文化に興味があります).

全国: "Whole country". The noun '全国 (ぜんこく)' means 'the whole country' or 'nationwide'. It refers to the entirety of a nation or country, as opposed to a specific region or locality within it. This word is commonly used in phrases like '全国的な' (nationwide) or '全国の' (throughout the country). For example: The nationwide campaign - (全国での運動), I visited many places throughout the country - (私は全国各地を訪れた).

韓国: "Korea". The proper noun '韓国 (かんこく)' refers to the country of South Korea. Korea is a peninsula in East Asia, bordered by the Sea of Japan, the Yellow Sea, and the East China Sea. The country is known for its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and advanced technology industry. For example: I want to visit Korea - (私は韓国に行きたい)。 The Korean flag is beautiful - (韓国の国旗は美しい).

国内: "Domestic". The Japanese noun '国内 (こくない)' means 'domestic'. This word refers to things that are within the borders of a particular country, as opposed to foreign or international. It is used to describe domestic affairs, domestic market, domestic tourism, etc. For example: The domestic market is growing - (国内市場は成長している). He travels for domestic business - (彼は国内ビジネスで旅行する).

米国: "America". The proper noun '米国 (べいこく)' refers to the United States of America. It is a common way to refer to the USA in Japanese. For example: I'm from America - (私は米国出身です). The American flag - (米国の国旗)

帝国: "Empire". The noun '帝国 (ていこく)' refers to a large political unit typically ruled by an emperor. It denotes a powerful, extensive and dominant state or political organization, such as the British Empire, the Roman Empire, or the Japanese Empire. For example: The Japanese Empire controlled a vast territory - (日本帝国は広大な領土を支配していた). The emperor presided over the empire - (天皇は帝国の指導者であった).

諸国: "Various countries". The noun '諸国 (しょこく)' refers to 'various countries' or 'different countries'. It is a collective term used to describe multiple countries or nations. This word is often used in political, economic, or diplomatic contexts when discussing international affairs or relationships between different countries. For example: Countries around the world - (諸国の国々). Leaders from various countries gathered - (諸国の指導者たちが集まった).

国々: "Countries". The noun '国々 (くにぐに)' means 'countries'. It is the plural form of the word '国 (くに)' and refers to multiple nations or sovereign states. This word is used to collectively describe two or more countries. For example: The countries of Europe - (ヨーロッパの国々). Many different countries - (いろいろな国々).

国外: "Abroad". The noun '国外 (こくがい)' means 'abroad'. It refers to being or happening outside one's own country. This word is often used to describe travel, living, events, or any activity that takes place in a foreign country. For example: I traveled abroad last year - (私は昨年国外に行った). The university has many exchange students from abroad - (大学には国外からの交換留学生がたくさんいる).

出国: "Departure". The Japanese verbal noun '出国 (しゅっこく)' means 'departure'. This word refers to the act of leaving one's country, usually to travel to another country. It can be used to describe the process of going through border control and immigration at an airport or other port of entry before leaving the country. For example: Before his business trip, he made sure to complete all the departure procedures - (出張の前に、出国の手続きをすべて済ませた).

国交: "Diplomacy". The Japanese noun '国交 (こっこう)' means 'diplomacy'. It refers to the official political, economic, and cultural relations between two or more countries. '国交' is often used in the context of international relations, such as establishing or maintaining diplomatic ties between nations. For example: The two countries have restored diplomatic relations - (両国は国交を回復した). The visit will help strengthen diplomatic ties - (この訪問は国交を強化するだろう).

国鉄: "National railway". The noun '国鉄 (こくてつ)' refers to the national railway system in Japan, which was formerly the state-owned railway network in Japan. This term is used to describe the railways that were operated by the Japanese National Railways (JNR) before it was privatized in 1987. '国鉄' was commonly used to refer to the train stations, trains, and infrastructure that were part of this national railway system. For example: The national railway system in Japan used to be known as 国鉄 - (日本の鉄道は以前、国鉄と呼ばれていた).

国費: "Government funds". The Japanese noun '国費 (こくひ)' refers to government or state funds. It is used to describe money that is allocated from the national budget or treasury for specific purposes, such as funding for public projects, education, or social services. For example: The government used national funds to build the new hospital - (国費を使って新しい病院を建設した). The university receives government funds for research - (大学は研究のために国費を受け取っている).

国名: "Country name". The Japanese word '国名 (こくめい)' refers to the official name of a sovereign state or nation. It is a compound noun consisting of the kanji characters for 'country' (国) and 'name' (名). This term is commonly used to refer to the formal designation of a country, such as 'United States of America' or '日本 (にほん)'. Country names are an important part of geography and international relations. For example: The official country name of Japan is '日本 (にほん)' - (日本の国名は「日本」である)。

国会: "Parliament". The Japanese noun '国会 (こっかい)' refers to the national parliament or legislature of Japan. It is the highest organ of state power and the sole law-making body in Japan. The '国会' is made up of a House of Representatives (lower house) and a House of Councilors (upper house). Members of the '国会' are elected through democratic elections. For example: The Diet (national parliament) convenes today - (国会は今日開会する).

国産: "Domestic". The Japanese noun '国産 (こくさん)' refers to something that is domestically produced or manufactured within a country, as opposed to being imported from abroad. It is often used to indicate that a product is of high quality because it was made using local materials and craftsmanship. For example: This wine is domestic - (この ワインは国産です). Domestic cars are very popular here - (国産の 車がここでは 人気があります).

英国: "Britain". The proper noun '英国 (えいこく)' refers to the United Kingdom, an island country in Western Europe. It is made up of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The term 'Britain' is commonly used interchangeably to refer to the same geographic area. This word is often used in formal or official contexts. For example: I'm visiting Britain next month - (来月、私は英国を訪れます).

国際的: "International". The adjective '国際的 (こくさいてき)' means 'international'. It is used to describe something that relates to or involves two or more countries or nationalities. This word is often used to refer to organizations, events, or activities that have a global reach or impact. For example: This is an international conference - (これは国際的な会議です). She has an international career - (彼女は国際的な経歴を持っている).

国際化: "Internationalization". The Japanese verbal noun '国際化 (こくさいか)' means 'internationalization'. This term refers to the process of making something more international or global in scope. This can be applied to businesses, organizations, or even individual behavior and mindsets. Examples: The company is undergoing internationalization - (その会社は国際化を経ています). Internationalization of education is an important goal - (教育の国際化は重要な目標です).

国連: "UN". The Japanese noun '国連 (こくれん)' refers to the United Nations, an international organization founded in 1945 to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, and promote social progress, better living standards and human rights. Some example sentences: The UN General Assembly convenes annually - (国連総会は毎年開かれる). Japan is a member of the United Nations - (日本は国連の加盟国である).

国語: "National language". The Japanese word '国語 (こくご)' refers to the official or national language of a country. In Japan, this term is used to specifically refer to the Japanese language. It is often used in educational contexts when discussing the Japanese language curriculum or subject. For example: Japanese is the national language of Japan - (日本の国語は日本語です). I study the national language at school - (私は国語を学校で勉強しています).

国立: "National". The noun '国立 (こくりつ)' refers to something that is 'national' or belonging to a country or nation. It is often used to describe institutions, organizations, or facilities that are operated or funded by the government of a country. For example: National university - (国立大学). The National Museum is a popular tourist attraction - (国立博物館は人気の観光スポットです).

各国: "Each country". The noun '各国 (かっこく)' means 'each country'. It refers to the individual countries that make up a larger group or collective. This word is often used when discussing international affairs, policies, or relationships between different nations. For example: The summit was attended by representatives from each country - (首脳会議には各国の代表が出席した). The policies of each country vary - (各国の政策は様々である).

国王: "King". The Japanese noun '国王 (こくおう)' means 'king'. This word refers to the male monarch or sovereign ruler of a country. Kings are typically the head of state and have significant political power and authority. For example: The king ruled the land with wisdom - (国王は知恵をもって国を治めた). The king greeted his subjects - (国王は臣民を迎えられた).

国旗: "National flag". The Japanese noun '国旗 (こっき)' means 'national flag'. This refers to the official flag representing a particular country or nation. The national flag is typically displayed prominently at government buildings, during international events, and other settings to symbolize national identity and pride. For example: The national flag was raised during the opening ceremony - (国旗が開会式で掲揚された).

国籍: "Nationality". The Japanese noun '国籍 (こくせき)' refers to a person's country of citizenship or membership in a particular nation. It describes the legal status of an individual in relation to their country of origin or naturalization. For example: What is your nationality? - (あなたの国籍は何ですか)? They applied for Japanese nationality - (彼らは日本の国籍を申請した).

国境: "Border". The Japanese noun '国境 (こっきょう)' means 'border'. This word refers to the line or imaginary boundary separating one country or state from another. It denotes the geographical or political dividing line between nations. For example: The border between Japan and China - (日本と中国の国境). They crossed the border into the neighboring country - (隣国の国境を越えた).

王国: "Kingdom". The noun '王国 (おうこく)' means 'kingdom'. A kingdom refers to a country, state, or territory ruled by a king or queen. Kingdoms are political and geographic entities with a centralized system of administration and defined borders. For example: The kingdom of Japan - (日本の王国). She is the princess of the kingdom - (彼女は王国の王女です).

両国: "Two countries". The Japanese word '両国 (りょうこく)' means 'two countries'. It refers to a place or location that is located between or on the border of two different countries. The word can be used to describe cities, towns, or regions that span across national borders. For example: The city of Citta Trieste is located in the area between Italy and Slovenia, which is known as 'both countries' - (両国の都市、チッタ・ディ・トリエステ). The Rjukan area of Norway is also known as 'both countries', as it sits on the border between Norway and Sweden - (両国の地域、ルーカン).

入国: "Entry" or "Immigration". The Japanese verbal noun '入国 (にゅうこく)' refers to the act of entering a country or entering a territory. It can mean both 'entry' in the sense of going into a place, as well as 'immigration' in the context of foreigners arriving in a country. For example: He was stopped at immigration - (彼は入国審査で止められた). I need to apply for an entry visa - (私は入国ビザを申請する必要がある).

本国: "Homeland". The Japanese noun '本国 (ほんごく)' refers to one's native or original country, where someone was born and raised. It is used to distinguish this place from other countries that may be temporary residences or adoptive homes. For example: I am returning to my homeland - (私は本国に戻ります). The company is headquartered in the homeland - (その会社は本国に拠点を置いています).

天国: "Heaven". The Japanese word '天国 (てんごく)' refers to the concept of heaven, the place where the deceased are believed to go after death in some religious and spiritual traditions. It is considered a heavenly or divine realm, often associated with happiness, peace, and eternal life. For example: After he passed away, he went to heaven - (彼が亡くなった後、彼は天国に行った).

戦国: "Warring States". The Japanese noun '戦国 (せんごく)' refers to the period of intense political rivalry and almost constant military conflict in feudal Japan that lasted from around 1467 to 1603. This was a time of great upheaval and instability, with powerful warlords (daimyo) vying for control of the country. The Warring States period was eventually ended by the unification efforts of Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Examples: The Warring States period was a time of great turmoil - (戦国時代は大混乱の時代だった). Many famous samurai and battles occurred during the Warring States period - (戦国時代には多くの有名な武将や戦いがあった).

箇国: "Countries". The Japanese suffix '箇国 (かこく)' means 'countries'. This suffix is used to indicate multiple countries or nations. It is often used in contexts where comparisons or discussions involve multiple countries. For example: The three countries - (三箇国). Many countries around the world - (世界の多箇国).

歩行者天国: "Pedestrian zone". The Japanese noun '歩行者天国 (ほこうしゃてんごく)' refers to a pedestrian zone or area that is closed off to vehicular traffic, allowing only pedestrians to access the area. These zones are commonly found in urban areas and are intended to promote a more walkable and safe environment for people. For example: The downtown area has been turned into a pedestrian zone on the weekends - (ダウンタウンの地域は週末に歩行者天国になります).

自国: "Own country". The Japanese noun '自国(じこく)' means 'one's own country'. It refers to the country that a person or organization belongs to or is associated with. This term is often used in the context of international relations, where countries may have different interests and perspectives based on their national identity and background. For example: I love my own country - (私は自国が大好きです). Our company aims to expand into foreign markets, not just our own country - (私たちの会社は自国だけでなく、海外市場への進出を目指しています).

国土: "Land". The Japanese noun '国土 (こくど)' means 'land'. It refers to the territory or land that comprises a country or nation. This word is often used in the context of discussing a country's geography, natural resources, or national sovereignty. For example: The diverse landscapes of our national land - (私たちの国土の多様な風景). Protecting the land of our country - (私たちの国の国土を保護する).

大国: "Superpower". The Japanese noun '大国 (たいこく)' refers to a superpower - a country that has great economic, political, and military influence on the global stage. This word is typically used to describe the most powerful and influential nations in the world, such as the United States, China, Russia, Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom. For example: Japan is considered one of the world's superpowers - (日本は世界の大国の1つと見なされている). The rise of China as a superpower has changed the global balance of power - (中国の大国としての台頭が世界情勢の均衡を変えつつある).

国道: "Highway". The Japanese noun '国道 (こくどう)' refers to a national highway or expressway in Japan. These are major roads operated and maintained by the national government, connecting different parts of the country. They are typically wide, with multiple lanes in each direction to facilitate high-speed traffic flow. For example: I took the national highway to get to the city - (私は国道を使って街へ行った). The highway was crowded during rush hour - (国道は渋滞していた)

我が国: "Country". The noun '我が国 (わがくに)' means 'one's own country'. It is a respectful way of referring to one's own country or homeland. This term is used to indicate a sense of national pride and patriotism. For example: I love my country - (我が国が大好きです). Our country is blessed with natural beauty - (我が国は自然に恵まれている).

To make really sure you learn this Kanji, I've prepared an interactive lesson for you. You are going to learn the readings and meanings of this kanji.

But first, you need to know a little bit about Hiragana and Katakana.

Hiragana and katakana are japanese syllabaries, this means that each character represents a syllable.

This are the characters you need to know for this lesson:

The hiragana "こ" is read as "ko". The hiragana "く" is read as "ku". And The hiragana "に" is read as "ni".

Heres a quick tutorial on how to use it. You'll be asked three type of questions: meaning, reading, and writing.

For meanings questions all you have to do is type the english meaning. If there is more than one meaning, you have to include them all in your answer separating them by commas (,).

For Reading questions you have to type the reading in romaji (roman letters, our normal alphabet) and it'll be automatically converted to hiragana if necessary. If there is more than one reading, you have to include them all in your answer separating them by commas (,).

For Writing questions some options will appear and all you have to do is select the correct ones.