Translation guide
The concept of a nation-state, where a sovereign state coincides with a nation (a people sharing common identity, language, culture). In Japanese, this is often expressed with 国民国家 or 民族国家, with nuanced differences.
Referring to the political entity where state and nation are congruent.
Standard term for 'nation-state', emphasizing the citizenry (国民) as the basis of the state.
国民国家の概念は近代の産物だ。
The concept of the nation-state is a product of modern times.
Also means 'nation-state', but with emphasis on ethnicity (民族) rather than civic nationhood. Often used in contexts of ethnic nationalism.
その地域では民族国家の建設が進められた。
The construction of a nation-state was advanced in that region.
Discussing the nation-state as a modern political phenomenon.
Refers to the 'nation-state system' or 'nation-state order', common in academic writing.
国民国家体制はグローバル化で揺らいでいる。
The nation-state system is being shaken by globalization.
Literally 'sovereign state', often used interchangeably with nation-state in international relations contexts.
主権国家としての権利を主張した。
They asserted their rights as a sovereign state.
Highlighting the ideal of one nation, one state.
A phrase meaning 'one state, one nation', used to describe the nation-state ideal. More ideological.
一国家一民族の理念は現実には難しい。
The ideal of one nation-state is difficult in reality.
国民国家 (kokumin kokka) is the more common and neutral term for 'nation-state', focusing on the citizenry. 民族国家 (minzoku kokka) emphasizes ethnic nationhood and can carry nationalist connotations. In many contexts, they are interchangeable, but 国民国家 is preferred in academic and formal writing.