北国
also: ほっこく
Meanings
1
northern country
Refers to a country located in the north, often with connotations of cold climate or snow.
He was born and raised in a northern country.
2
northern provinces; northern regions; northland
Often used for the northern parts of Japan, especially areas along the Sea of Japan known for heavy snowfall.
In the northern regions, it snows a lot in winter.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉は北国育ちだsomeone was raised in a northern region
He was raised in a northern region, so he's used to snow.
- 北国の〈事〉は厳しいsomething (e.g. weather) is harsh in northern regions
Winters in northern regions are very cold and harsh.
- 〈事〉は北国ならではだsomething is characteristic or unique to northern regions
The snow festival is an event unique to northern regions.