他国
Meanings
foreign country; another country
Neutral term for a country other than one's own. Used in news, formal contexts, and everyday speech.
Tourists from other countries are increasing.
It is important to learn about the cultures of other countries.
another province
Historical or literary use for a province other than one's own, especially in pre-modern Japan. Rare in modern contexts.
In the Edo period, a travel permit was needed to go to another province.
strange land; alien land
Literary or emotive nuance for a foreign or unfamiliar place. Often carries a sense of distance or otherness.
He felt lonely in a strange, foreign land.
Usage patterns
- 〈他国〉に住むto live in a foreign country
He has lived in a foreign country for many years.
- 〈他国〉から来るto come from a foreign country
There are many international students who came from other countries.
- 〈他国〉の文化the culture of a foreign country
Learning about the culture of other countries is fun.
- 〈他国〉に渡るto cross over to a foreign/strange land
He fled the war and crossed over into a foreign land.