1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “国” (kuni) means “country” or “nation.” It represents a political entity or a geographical area where people share a common culture, language, and governance.
2. Formation and Radicals
The kanji “国” is a compound character that combines two elements: the radical 囗 (which represents an enclosure) and the character 玉 (which means “jade” or “precious”). This combination suggests a precious area or territory enclosed by boundaries.
The radical 囗 is often associated with words related to places or enclosures, emphasizing the idea of a defined space.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “国” are:
- 外国 (gaikoku) – foreign country
- 国民 (kokumin) – citizens or nationals
- 国家 (kokka) – nation or state
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- 私は日本の国に住んでいます。 (Watashi wa Nihon no kuni ni sundeimasu.) – I live in the country of Japan.
- 彼は外国に行くのが好きです。 (Kare wa gaikoku ni iku no ga suki desu.) – He likes to travel to foreign countries.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 州 (shuu) – state or province, which refers to a smaller administrative division within a country.
- 国土 (koku-do) – territory, which emphasizes the land aspect of a country.
Antonyms include:
- 無国籍 (mukokuseki) – stateless, referring to a person who does not belong to any country.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The concept of “国” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, reflecting the importance of national identity and community. In Japan, the idea of “国” is often associated with the notion of “wa” (和), which signifies harmony and unity within the nation.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions related to “国” include:
- 国に帰る (kuni ni kaeru) – to return to one’s home country, often used when someone is going back to their homeland.
- 国を守る (kuni o mamoru) – to protect the country, emphasizing the duty of citizens to safeguard their nation.