noun
rural area; countryside; the sticks
Refers to the countryside as opposed to the city; can carry a slightly rustic or provincial nuance. 'The sticks' is a casual, somewhat dismissive English equivalent.
彼は田舎で育った。
He grew up in the countryside.
週末は田舎にドライブに
On weekends I go for a drive in the countryside.
noun
Used to refer to one's hometown, especially when it is a rural or provincial place. Often carries a nostalgic or personal tone.
お盆には田舎に帰ります。
I go back to my hometown for Obon.
田舎の両親から野菜が届いた。
I received vegetables from my parents back home.