noun-modifying (irregular)
of the land; earthly; terrestrial
Archaic prenominal modifier used in classical Japanese, especially in mythological or poetic contexts, contrasting with heavenly or divine realms. Modern equivalent would be 国の or 地上の.
古事記には「国津神」という表現が見られる。
In the Kojiki, the expression '国津神' (earthly deity) can be found.
天津 is the heavenly counterpart, meaning 'of heaven' or 'celestial', often paired with 国津 in classical texts.
From Old Japanese. Composed of 国 (kuni, 'land, country') + archaic possessive particle つ (tsu). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it is a fossilized form preserved in classical compounds.