Nihongo

Kanji Detail of 国

Level:N5 Mid
Strokes:8
Stroke Order
Related Words
AI Explanation
Basic Meaning

The kanji primarily means "country", "nation", or "realm." It signifies a territory or area of land, usually under a single government. It can also imply the people and culture associated with that territory.

Readings

・On-yomi (音読み): コク (koku) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): くに (kuni)

Usage Examples

⚫︎日本 Translation: Japan ⚫︎ Translation: International ⚫︎ Translation: Homeland

Origin and Formation

The kanji is a pictograph. It originally depicted a walled city or settlement. The outer frame represents the boundaries of the territory, and the inner part possibly represents weapons or people, indicating the defense and the people within the enclosure. Over time, the character evolved to represent the concept of a "country" or "nation."

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