noun, noun, used as a suffix
large country; major power; great nation
Refers to a country with significant size, population, economic strength, or political influence. Often used in geopolitical contexts.
中国は経済大国として急速に成長した。
China grew rapidly as an economic superpower.
大国間の緊
Tensions between the major powers are rising.
noun
highest-rank province (ritsuryō system)
Historical term from the ritsuryō period; designated the largest and most important provinces. Not used in modern administrative contexts.
律令制では、大国には守・介・掾・目の四等官が置かれた。
Under the ritsuryō system, a province of the highest rank had four official posts: kami, suke, jō, and sakan.