国・邦・國|くにkuni[0]heiban (flat)
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Which spelling to use
国国 is the most common and most standard written form, and it is the form beginners should normally choose when writing this word.
邦邦 is a less common kanji-only variant of 国. Learners should generally choose 国 instead when writing this word.
國國 is an outdated kanji-only form of 国 and is less common; learners should use 国 instead when writing this word.
Definitions
- nouncountry; state
- nounregion
- nounnational government; central government
- nounhome (i.e. hometown, home country)
- nounprovince (of Japan)
- nounland; earth
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym国家こっかNeutralRefers to the country as a political entity, as in 「国家の安全」; more formal and abstract than 「国」, which can also mean one's homeland or region.
- SynonymネーションWrittenA loanword for a nation — a people or national community, or a nation-state; academic and specialized, rarely heard in everyday conversation.
In everyday speech both the state and one's homeland are 「国」, as in 「国の政策」. Use 「国家」 for the country as a formal, abstract political entity, and 「ネーション」 in academic contexts.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
See also
