Translation guide
The English word 'nation' can refer to a country, its people, or a cultural/ethnic group. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 国 (くに), but other terms like 国家 (こっか) and 国民 (こくみん) are used depending on the nuance.
Referring to a sovereign political entity or territory.
The most common and versatile word for 'country' or 'nation'. Used in everyday conversation.
日本は小さな国です。
Japan is a small nation.
He works in a foreign nation.
A more formal term for 'nation' or 'state', often used in political, legal, or academic contexts.
Protect the nation's security.
Referring to the people of a country as a collective.
Refers to the people of a nation, the citizenry. Often used in news and formal speech.
We should listen to the voice of the nation.
Refers to an ethnic group or people, often with shared culture and history. Can translate to 'nation' in the sense of a people.
Referring to the idea of nationhood or a nation in an abstract sense.
国 (くに) is the everyday word for country. 国家 (こっか) is formal and emphasizes the state as a political entity. 国民 (こくみん) refers specifically to the people of a nation. Use 国 for most situations; switch to 国家 in political/legal contexts, and 国民 when talking about the populace.
その民族は独自の言語を持っている。
That nation has its own language.
日本の国柄を大切にする。
Cherish the character of the Japanese nation.