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A1 noun #3,517 가장 일반적인 9분 분량

国民

kokumin 상위 3,517

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 国民 30초 만에

설명 国民 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn '国民' (kokumin) as a basic noun that means 'the people of a country' or 'citizens.' You will mostly see it in very simple contexts, like identifying who lives in Japan (日本国民 - Nihon Kokumin). At this stage, don't worry about the complex political nuances. Just remember that 'koku' means country and 'min' means people. It is a useful word to recognize when reading basic news headlines or seeing signs for government services. You might encounter it in the phrase 'Kokumin no shukujitsu' (national holiday), which is important for knowing when shops might be closed or when you have a day off from school. Think of it as a formal version of 'people' that applies to a whole country. It's like the difference between saying 'the folks here' and 'the citizens of this nation.' Even at A1, recognizing the kanji for 'country' (国) and 'people' (民) will help you understand many other related words.

At the A2 level, you can start using '国民' (kokumin) in simple sentences to describe national traits or shared experiences. You should understand that it is more formal than 'hitobito' (people) and is used when talking about a country's population as a single group. You will likely see it in phrases like 'kokumin no seikatsu' (the life of the people) or 'kokumin no iken' (the opinion of the people). You should also learn the compound 'kokumin-teki,' which means 'nationally popular.' For example, 'Doraemon wa kokumin-teki na anime desu' (Doraemon is a nationally popular anime). This level is about expanding your ability to talk about society in general terms. You can also use it to contrast with 'gaikokujin' (foreigners) in a legal or official context, such as when discussing who can vote or who needs a specific type of insurance. It's a key word for moving from talking about yourself to talking about the world around you.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '国民' (kokumin) in discussions about social issues, politics, and the economy. You will encounter it frequently in newspaper articles and news broadcasts. You should understand its role in compound words like 'kokumin kenkō hoken' (national health insurance) and 'kokumin nenkin' (national pension). At this stage, you should also be able to distinguish 'kokumin' from 'shimin' (citizen) and 'jūmin' (resident). For example, you would use 'kokumin' when discussing a national election, but 'jūmin' when talking about a local neighborhood problem. You can use 'kokumin' to express general public sentiment, such as 'Kokumin wa zeikin no tsukai-michi ni chūmoku shite iru' (The people are paying attention to how taxes are used). This word becomes a tool for participating in more serious and structured conversations about Japanese society and government policies.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the B2 level, your understanding of '国民' (kokumin) should include its nuanced use in legal and constitutional contexts. You should know that the Japanese Constitution begins by stating that sovereignty resides with the 'kokumin.' You will encounter the word in more abstract concepts like 'kokumin kanjō' (national sentiment) or 'kokumin-sei' (national character/trait). You should be able to follow complex news reports about 'kokumin tōhyō' (national referendums) and understand the debate around 'kokumin no gimu' (duties of the people). At B2, you should also be sensitive to the tone 'kokumin' sets—it is inclusive of the whole nation and often used to build a sense of unity or to hold the government accountable. You can use it in essays to discuss how national policies affect the population as a whole. You will also notice it in literary or historical contexts, where it might be used to describe the collective spirit of the people during a certain era.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the C1 level, you should have a sophisticated grasp of '国民' (kokumin) and its implications in various registers. You can analyze how politicians use 'kokumin' to frame their arguments—often appealing to 'kokumin no rieki' (the interests of the people) to justify their actions. You should be able to discuss the sociological aspects of 'kokumin ishiki' (national consciousness) and how it differs from 'minzoku ishiki' (ethnic consciousness). You will recognize the word in high-level academic texts, legal critiques, and deep-dive investigative journalism. At this level, you should also understand the historical evolution of the term, from its pre-war connotations to its post-war democratic definition. You can use 'kokumin' in professional settings to discuss market trends (e.g., 'kokumin no shōhi dōkō' - national consumption trends) or in academic debates about the role of the state. Your use of the word should be precise, reflecting an understanding of the legal and social boundaries of the term.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the C2 level, your mastery of '国民' (kokumin) is near-native. You understand not only its direct meaning and usage but also its rhetorical power and the subtle ways it can be used to include or exclude certain groups within a discourse. You can engage in complex debates about 'kokumin kokka' (the nation-state) and the challenges it faces in a globalized world. You are familiar with the philosophical nuances of the word as used by Japanese thinkers and can compare it to similar concepts in other languages (like 'le peuple' in French or 'das Volk' in German). You can use 'kokumin' with perfect stylistic accuracy in any context, from a formal legal brief to a nuanced political commentary. You notice when the word is used ironically or when its meaning is being contested in public debate. Your understanding of 'kokumin' is integrated into a deep knowledge of Japanese history, law, and social psychology, allowing you to use it as a powerful tool for high-level communication and analysis.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

国民 30초 만에

Kokumin means the collective people of a nation or country.
It is a formal term used in news, politics, and legal contexts.
The suffix '-teki' makes it 'nationally famous' or 'popular' (kokumin-teki).
It contrasts with 'shimin' (city residents) and 'jūmin' (general residents).

The Japanese word 国民 (こくみん - kokumin) is a fundamental noun that translates most directly to 'national' or 'citizenry' in English. However, its usage goes far beyond a simple legal definition. It represents the collective body of people who constitute a nation-state, encompassing their rights, duties, and shared cultural identity. Unlike 'shimin' (市民), which often refers to residents of a specific city or civil society, or 'minzoku' (民族), which refers to an ethnic group, kokumin is inherently tied to the state (koku). It is the preferred term in political discourse, legal documents, and news reporting when discussing the population as a whole. For instance, when the Prime Minister addresses the nation, they address the kokumin. The word evokes a sense of unity and shared destiny under a single government. It is used to describe things that are 'national' in scope, such as the 'National Health Insurance' (国民健康保険 - Kokumin Kenkō Hoken) or a 'national holiday' (国民の祝日 - Kokumin no Shukujitsu).

Legal Context: In the Japanese Constitution, the term is used to define the source of sovereignty. The people (国民) are the ultimate authority from which the power of the state is derived.
Social Context: It is used to describe trends or sentiments shared by the majority of the population, often referred to as 'kokumin kanjō' (national sentiment).
Cultural Context: Something extremely popular across all age groups and demographics is often called 'kokumin-teki' (national/popular), such as a 'kokumin-teki anime' like Doraemon.

政府は国民の意見を聞くべきだ。(The government should listen to the opinions of the people/nationals.)

彼は国民的英雄です。(He is a national hero.)

すべての国民に納税の義務がある。(Every citizen has a duty to pay taxes.)

When you use kokumin, you are viewing the population through the lens of their relationship with the state. This is why it appears so frequently in political rhetoric. When a politician says 'For the sake of the people,' they almost always use 'kokumin no tame ni.' It implies a sense of responsibility and protection. In contrast, using 'hito-bito' (people) would sound more casual and less focused on the political entity. Understanding kokumin is key to understanding how Japanese society views the collective identity of its members within the framework of the nation. It is a word that carries weight, suggesting that the individuals mentioned are part of a larger, organized, and legally recognized whole.

Using 国民 (kokumin) correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as both a noun and a prefix in compound words. As a standalone noun, it functions like any other noun, often followed by particles like 'wa', 'ga', or 'no'. However, its most powerful application is in defining collective concepts. For example, 'kokumin no kenzoku' (national continuity) or 'kokumin no fuku' (national welfare). It is also frequently transformed into an adjective by adding 'teki' (的), resulting in 'kokumin-teki' (national/popular). This is used to describe things that have achieved widespread recognition or popularity across the entire country, such as a 'kokumin-teki idol' or a 'kokumin-teki dish' like curry rice.

As a Subject: When the people as a whole act or feel a certain way: 国民は変化を求めている (The people are seeking change).
As a Modifier: Using 'no' to link it to other nouns: 国民の権利 (Rights of the citizens).
In Compounds: Combining with other kanji directly: 国民投票 (National referendum/plebiscite).

この歌は国民的に有名です。(This song is nationally famous.)

国民の祝日には仕事が休みになります。(On national holidays, work is off.)

In formal speeches, you will often hear the phrase 'waga kuni no kokumin' (the people of our country), which emphasizes a sense of pride and shared identity. In journalistic writing, kokumin is used to report on statistical data or public opinion polls, such as 'kokumin no 80% ga...' (80% of the people...). It is important to note that while 'kokumin' includes everyone with citizenship, it is sometimes used colloquially to mean 'everyone in the country,' including long-term residents, although 'jūmin' (residents) is more precise for that purpose. When writing, ensure the context is broad; using 'kokumin' for a small group of friends would be incorrect and confusing. It always implies the scale of a nation.

To truly master 国民 (kokumin), you must look at its presence in Japanese media and daily life. You will encounter this word most frequently in the NHK news, especially during segments on government policy, the economy, or social issues. It is the backbone of political vocabulary. During elections, candidates will repeatedly use the word to show their dedication to the 'kokumin'. Beyond politics, it is a staple in the world of sports and entertainment. When a Japanese athlete wins an Olympic gold medal, they are often hailed as a 'kokumin no hokori' (pride of the nation). This usage highlights the emotional and patriotic weight the word carries. It isn't just a dry, legal term; it's a word that evokes a sense of belonging to something larger than oneself.

Television News: Reporting on laws: 'Kokumin no futan ga fuemasu' (The burden on the people will increase).
Sports Broadcasting: Describing a star athlete: 'Kokumin-teki na ninki o hokoru' (Boasting national-level popularity).
Documentaries: Discussing history: 'Kokumin no seikatsu wa kawatta' (The lives of the people changed).

彼は国民の期待を背負っている。(He carries the expectations of the nation.)

国民の生活を守るのが政府の役割だ。(It is the government's role to protect the lives of the people.)

In everyday conversation, you might hear people use 'kokumin' when discussing general social trends or complaining about taxes or government decisions. For example, 'Kokumin wa nattoku shinai darō' (The people probably won't be satisfied/convinced). It is also found in many official titles and names of institutions. The 'National Pension' is 'Kokumin Nenkin,' and the 'National Tax Agency' is 'Koku-zei-chō' (though 'kokumin' is the root concept). Even in manga and anime, a character who is a 'hero of the people' would be described using this word. Its ubiquity makes it an essential word for anyone looking to understand Japanese societal structures and public discourse.

While 国民 (kokumin) is straightforward in its translation, learners often misuse it by confusing it with other words for 'people' or 'citizens'. The most common mistake is using 'kokumin' when you actually mean 'shimin' (citizen/resident of a city) or 'jin' (person/suffix for nationality). For example, if you want to say 'I am a Japanese person,' you should say 'Nihon-jin desu,' not 'Nihon kokumin desu'—the latter sounds like you are making a formal legal declaration of your citizenship status in a court of law. Another error is using 'kokumin' to refer to a small group. 'Kokumin' always refers to the entire population of a country. If you are talking about the people in a room or a specific group of people, use 'hitobito' or 'minasan'.

Mistake: Kokumin vs. Jin: Incorrect: 私はアメリカ国民です (I am an American national - too formal for an introduction). Correct: 私はアメリカ人です (I am American).
Mistake: Kokumin vs. Shimin: 'Shimin' is for city-level or civil rights; 'Kokumin' is for nation-level. You are a 'shimin' of Tokyo but a 'kokumin' of Japan.
Mistake: Scale Error: Don't use 'kokumin' for 'customers' or 'audience members'. It must be the scale of a whole country.

× この店にはたくさんの国民がいます。(There are many 'nationals' in this store - Incorrect usage.)

Additionally, be careful with the word 'minzoku' (民族). While 'kokumin' refers to everyone within a country's borders (or holding its passport) regardless of ethnicity, 'minzoku' refers to a specific ethnic group. In a multi-ethnic country, one 'kokumin' (nation) could be comprised of several 'minzoku' (ethnic groups). Using these interchangeably can be socially sensitive or factually incorrect. Finally, when using 'kokumin-teki', ensure the thing you are describing is truly 'nationally' known. Calling a local shop 'kokumin-teki' is an exaggeration that should only be used as a joke. Stick to the national scale to remain accurate.

Japanese has several words for 'people' or 'citizens,' each with a distinct nuance. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right word for the right context. 国民 (kokumin) is the most formal and political. If you want to talk about the residents of a place without the political baggage, you might use jūmin (住民). If you are referring to people as individuals or a general group, hitobito (人々) is the most common and versatile choice. In a legal or civic rights context, shimin (市民) is the go-to term. Let's look at how these compare in detail.

国民 (Kokumin) vs. 市民 (Shimin): Kokumin focuses on the relationship to the State/Nation. Shimin focuses on the relationship to the City or Civil Society (often used in 'shimin dantai' - civic groups).
国民 (Kokumin) vs. 住民 (Jūmin): Jūmin refers to anyone living in a specific area, including foreign residents. Kokumin specifically refers to those with national citizenship.
国民 (Kokumin) vs. 民衆 (Minshū): Minshū means 'the masses' or 'the common people,' often used in historical or revolutionary contexts (e.g., 'the will of the masses').

この地域の住民は親切です。(The residents of this area are kind.) - Use 'jūmin' for local areas.

世界中の人々が平和を願っている。(People all over the world wish for peace.) - Use 'hitobito' for general humanity.

Another word often confused is jinmin (人民). This word also means 'the people,' but it has a strong socialist or communist connotation (as in the 'People's Republic of China'). In democratic Japan, 'kokumin' is the standard term used by the government and the public. Choosing between 'kokumin' and 'shimin' can also signal a political stance; 'shimin' is often favored by activists and progressives who emphasize individual rights and local community, whereas 'kokumin' is favored by those emphasizing national unity and state-level issues. By mastering these nuances, you will sound much more natural and precise in your Japanese communication.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

In the pre-war era, 'shinmin' (臣民 - subjects) was used more frequently to describe the people's relationship to the Emperor. After WWII, 'kokumin' became the standard democratic term.

발음 가이드

UK kɒkʊmɪn

US koʊkumɪn

The pitch accent in standard Japanese (Tokyo) is 'Heiban' (Flat), meaning the pitch stays relatively level after the first syllable.

라임이 맞는 단어

Shimin (市民) Jūmin (住民) Kenmin (県民) Nanmin (難民) Kanmin (官民) Minmin (as in cicada) Shinmin (臣民) Gaimin (rarely used)

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing 'min' as 'men'.
Stressing the first syllable too heavily.
Not pronouncing the 'n' clearly at the end.

난이도

독해 2/5

The kanji are basic (Level N4/N5), but the nuances are higher level.

쓰기 2/5

Both kanji are common and easy to write correctly.

말하기 1/5

Easy to pronounce and very useful in formal or social discussions.

듣기 1/5

Extremely frequent in news and formal speeches; easy to catch.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

国 (Country) 人 (Person) 民 (People/Commoner) 政府 (Government) 生活 (Life)

다음에 배울 것

市民 (Citizen) 住民 (Resident) 民族 (Ethnic group) 権利 (Right) 義務 (Duty)

고급

主権 (Sovereignty) 参政権 (Suffrage) 国勢調査 (Census) 世論 (Public opinion)

알아야 할 문법

Noun + の + Noun

国民の権利 (Rights of the people)

Noun + 的 (Adjective former)

国民的な人気 (National popularity)

Noun + として (As a...)

国民として投票する (Vote as a citizen)

Collective Nouns as Subjects

国民は反対している (The people are opposing it)

Compound Kanji Nouns

国民投票 (National referendum)

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수준별 예문

日本国民は親切です。

Japanese people (nationals) are kind.

日本国民 (Nihon kokumin) acts as the subject.

国民の祝日は休みです。

National holidays are days off.

国民の祝日 (Kokumin no shukujitsu) is a set phrase.

彼は有名な国民的スターです。

He is a famous national star.

国民的 (Kokumin-teki) is an adjective form.

国民は平和が好きです。

The people love peace.

国民 (Kokumin) is used here as a general collective noun.

これは国民の義務です。

This is a duty of the people.

国民の義務 (Kokumin no gimu) means duty of citizens.

国民の意見を聞きます。

I will listen to the people's opinions.

国民の意見 (Kokumin no iken) means people's opinion.

新しい国民の歌です。

It is a new song for the people.

国民の歌 (Kokumin no uta) implies a song for the whole nation.

国民全員が参加します。

Every single citizen will participate.

国民全員 (Kokumin zen'in) means all citizens.

国民の生活は良くなりました。

The lives of the people have improved.

国民の生活 (Kokumin no seikatsu) refers to the standard of living.

このスポーツは国民的人気があります。

This sport has national popularity.

国民的人気 (Kokumin-teki ninki) is a common collocation.

国民の声が政府に届いた。

The voice of the people reached the government.

国民の声 (Kokumin no koe) is a metaphor for public opinion.

国民の半分がそのニュースを知っています。

Half of the population knows that news.

国民の半分 (Kokumin no hanbun) uses 'no' to show a portion.

彼は国民の期待に応えた。

He met the expectations of the nation.

国民の期待 (Kokumin no kitai) refers to national expectations.

国民健康保険に入っていますか？

Are you enrolled in National Health Insurance?

国民健康保険 (Kokumin Kenkō Hoken) is a proper noun compound.

国民の権利を守らなければならない。

We must protect the rights of the citizens.

国民の権利 (Kokumin no kenri) means citizens' rights.

政府は国民のために働きます。

The government works for the sake of the people.

国民のために (Kokumin no tame ni) means for the people.

国民の所得が増えることを願っています。

I hope that the people's income will increase.

国民の所得 (Kokumin no shotoku) is an economic term.

国民的議論が必要な問題だ。

This is an issue that requires national debate.

国民的議論 (Kokumin-teki giron) means a debate involving the whole nation.

国民の多くが新しい税制に反対している。

Many of the people are opposed to the new tax system.

国民の多く (Kokumin no ōku) means the majority of the people.

彼は国民的作家として知られている。

He is known as a national author.

国民的作家 (Kokumin-teki sakka) implies a beloved, well-known writer.

国民の安全を確保するのが最優先だ。

Ensuring the safety of the people is the top priority.

国民の安全 (Kokumin no anzen) is a common political phrase.

国民投票で結果が決まった。

The result was decided by a national referendum.

国民投票 (Kokumin tōhyō) is a specific political term.

国民全体の利益を考えるべきだ。

We should consider the interests of the entire nation.

国民全体 (Kokumin zentai) emphasizes the whole population.

国民の不満が高まっている。

The dissatisfaction of the people is rising.

国民の不満 (Kokumin no fuman) refers to public discontent.

国民感情を逆なでするような発言だ。

That statement rubs the national sentiment the wrong way.

国民感情 (Kokumin kanjō) refers to the collective feelings of the people.

国民の総意に基づいて決定される。

It is decided based on the general will of the people.

国民の総意 (Kokumin no sōi) is a formal term for consensus.

国民一人一人の意識改革が必要だ。

A change in the consciousness of every single citizen is necessary.

国民一人一人 (Kokumin hitori hitori) emphasizes individual responsibility.

彼は国民の象徴としての役割を果たした。

He fulfilled his role as a symbol of the nation.

国民の象徴 (Kokumin no shōchō) is often used for the Emperor.

国民の信頼を回復するのは難しい。

It is difficult to restore the trust of the people.

国民の信頼 (Kokumin no shinrai) means public trust.

国民的行事としての成人式。

Coming-of-Age Day as a national event.

国民的行事 (Kokumin-teki gyōji) is a major national event.

国民の福利厚生を充実させる。

To enhance the welfare and well-being of the people.

国民の福利厚生 (Kokumin no fukuri kōsei) is a formal policy term.

国民の祝日に関する法律が改正された。

The law concerning national holidays was revised.

国民の祝日に…法律 (Law concerning national holidays) is a specific legal name.

国民の知る権利が脅かされている。

The people's right to know is being threatened.

国民の知る権利 (Kokumin no shiru kenri) is a constitutional concept.

国民の連帯感を強めるための施策。

Measures to strengthen the sense of solidarity among the people.

国民の連帯感 (Kokumin no rentaikan) means national solidarity.

国民的アイデンティティの再構築。

Reconstructing national identity.

国民的アイデンティティ (Kokumin-teki aidentiti) is a sociological term.

国民の購買意欲が減退している。

The people's desire to purchase is declining.

国民の購買意欲 (Kokumin no kōbai iyoku) is an economic indicator.

国民の負託に応える政治を行う。

To conduct politics that respond to the mandate of the people.

国民の負託 (Kokumin no futaku) is a very formal term for a mandate.

国民の合意形成には時間がかかる。

Building a consensus among the people takes time.

国民の合意形成 (Kokumin no gōi keisei) means building public consensus.

国民的英雄の失墜は大きな衝撃を与えた。

The fall of a national hero caused a great shock.

国民的英雄 (Kokumin-teki eiyū) means national hero.

国民の主権を守ることが民主主義の根幹だ。

Protecting the sovereignty of the people is the core of democracy.

国民の主権 (Kokumin no shuken) means popular sovereignty.

国民という概念の歴史的変遷を考察する。

To examine the historical transition of the concept of 'the people'.

国民という概念 (Concept of 'kokumin') refers to the idea itself.

国民国家の枠組みを超えた議論が必要だ。

A discussion that transcends the framework of the nation-state is necessary.

国民国家 (Kokumin kokka) means nation-state.

国民の審判を仰ぐ。

To seek the judgment of the people (usually via an election).

国民の審判を仰ぐ (Kokumin no shinpan o aogu) is an idiomatic political expression.

国民不在の政治は長続きしない。

Politics that ignore the people will not last long.

国民不在 (Kokumin fuzai) means 'absence of the people' (ignoring their will).

国民精神の昂揚を図る。

To aim for the upliftment of the national spirit.

国民精神 (Kokumin seishin) is a formal, sometimes nationalistic term.

国民の総生産、いわゆるGDPについて。

Regarding the gross national product, the so-called GDP.

国民の総生産 (Kokumin no sōseisan) is the full term for GNP.

国民的レジリエンスを強化する。

Strengthening national resilience.

国民的レジリエンス (Kokumin-teki rejiriensu) is a modern policy term.

国民の権利と義務の均衡を保つ。

Maintaining the balance between the rights and duties of the people.

権利と義務の均衡 (Balance of rights and duties) is a legal concept.

동의어

市民人民住民邦人民衆

반의어

外国人王族

자주 쓰는 조합

国民の祝日

国民健康保険

国民的スター

国民の義務

国民感情

国民投票

国民の所得

国民的英雄

国民の期待

国民の総意

자주 쓰는 구문

国民の皆様

— A formal way to address the nation, often used by the Prime Minister.

国民の皆様、こんにちは。

国民一人一人

— Emphasizes each individual citizen within the nation.

国民一人一人の努力が必要です。

国民の声

— Refers to public opinion or the collective will of the people.

国民の声を聞く政治。

国民的行事

— An event that is significant and widely celebrated by the whole nation.

オリンピックは国民的行事だ。

国民の権利

— The legal and human rights afforded to citizens by the state.

国民の権利を侵害してはならない。

国民の関心

— What the general public is currently interested in or worried about.

国民の関心は経済に集まっている。

国民の信頼

— The trust the public has in an institution or leader.

国民の信頼を失う。

国民的レベル

— On a scale that involves the entire country.

国民的レベルでの議論。

国民の安全

— The safety and security of the nation's people.

国民の安全を第一に考える。

国民の負担

— The financial or social burden placed on citizens (e.g., taxes).

国民の負担が重くなる。

자주 혼동되는 단어

国民 vs 市民 (Shimin)

Shimin is for city/civil context; Kokumin is for state/national context.

国民 vs 住民 (Jūmin)

Jūmin includes everyone living there; Kokumin is specifically for citizens.

国民 vs 民族 (Minzoku)

Minzoku is about ethnicity; Kokumin is about nationality.

관용어 및 표현

"国民の審判を仰ぐ"

— To let the people decide, usually by calling an election.

解散して国民の審判を仰ぐ。

Political

"国民の期待を背負う"

— To carry the hopes and expectations of the entire country.

彼は国民の期待を背負って戦う。

General

"国民の血税"

— The 'blood and taxes' of the people, emphasizing that tax money is hard-earned.

国民の血税を無駄にするな。

Formal/Critical

"国民的アイデンティティ"

— The shared sense of belonging to a nation.

国民的アイデンティティを確立する。

Academic

"国民不在"

— A situation where decisions are made without considering the people's will.

国民不在の議論が続く。

Critical

"国民の象徴"

— A person or thing that represents the nation (e.g., the Emperor).

天皇は国民の象徴である。

Legal/Constitutional

"国民の総意"

— The collective will or consensus of all citizens.

国民の総意に基づく決定。

Formal

"国民の権利と義務"

— The standard pairing of what citizens are entitled to and what they must do.

国民の権利と義務を学ぶ。

Educational

"国民的英雄"

— A hero celebrated by the entire country.

彼は国民的英雄として迎えられた。

Journalistic

"国民感情を逆なでする"

— To offend or provoke the general public's feelings.

その発言は国民感情を逆なでした。

Journalistic

혼동하기 쉬운

国民 vs 人民 (Jinmin)

Both mean 'the people'.

Jinmin is often used in communist contexts; Kokumin is the standard democratic term in Japan.

中華人民共和国 (People's Republic of China).

国民 vs 公衆 (Kōshū)

Both refer to a group of people.

Kōshū refers to the 'public' in a physical or social space, like 'public health'.

公衆衛生 (Public health).

国民 vs 大衆 (Taishū)

Both refer to many people.

Taishū refers to the 'masses' or the general audience, often in marketing.

大衆文化 (Mass culture).

国民 vs 世論 (Yoron)

Related to what people think.

Yoron is 'public opinion' itself, while Kokumin is the group holding the opinion.

世論を調査する。

国民 vs 邦人 (Hōjin)

Refers to citizens.

Hōjin is specifically used for Japanese nationals living abroad.

在外邦人の安全。

문장 패턴

Nihon kokumin wa [Adjective] desu.

日本国民は親切です。

[Noun] wa kokumin-teki na [Noun] desu.

カレーは国民的な食べ物です。

Kokumin no [Percentage] ga [Verb].

国民の８０％が賛成しています。

Kokumin no [Noun] o mamoru.

国民の安全を守る。

Kokumin no [Noun] ni motozuku.

国民の総意に基づく。

Kokumin-teki [Abstract Noun] o kōryo suru.

国民的レジリエンスを考慮する。

Kokumin no [Noun] ga takamatte iru.

国民の不満が高まっている。

Kokumin no tame ni [Verb].

国民のために働きます。

어휘 가족

명사

国 (Country)

民 (People)

国民性 (National character)

国民的 (National trait/Popularity)

国民車 (National car)

동사

None direct, but used with verbs like 'suru' in compound contexts like 'kokumin-ka' (nationalization).

형용사

国民的 (Kokumin-teki - National/Popular)

사용법

frequency

Extremely high in news, government, and formal writing.

자주 하는 실수

Using 'kokumin' for 'people' in a room. → Hitobito / Minasan
Kokumin is for the whole nation, not a small group.
Saying 'Watashi wa Nihon kokumin desu' as a greeting. → Nihon-jin desu.
Kokumin sounds like a legal statement, not a self-introduction.
Confusing 'kokumin' with 'minzoku'. → Use kokumin for citizenship; minzoku for ethnicity.
A country can have many ethnic groups within its nationals.
Using 'kokumin' to mean 'customers'. → Okyaku-sama
Nationals and customers are different categories.
Writing the kanji '民' with an extra stroke. → 民 (5 strokes)
Be careful with the stroke order and the bottom part of the kanji.

팁

Use for Collective Identity

Whenever you want to talk about the people of Japan as a single unit, 'kokumin' is the word to use.

Remember the Radicals

The box in '国' represents borders, and '民' represents people. People inside borders make a nation.

Formal vs Casual

Use 'hitobito' for casual stories and 'kokumin' for serious discussions about society.

Learn the Compounds

Learning 'kokumin' unlocks many other words like 'kokumin kenkō hoken' and 'kokumin-teki'.

Watch the News

The NHK news is the best place to hear 'kokumin' used in its natural, formal environment.

Respect the Nuance

Be aware that 'kokumin' might not include non-citizen residents, so use 'jūmin' if you want to be inclusive.

Master 'Kokumin-teki'

This is a great word to describe things like anime or food that everyone loves.

Voting and Rights

In any discussion about rights or voting, 'kokumin' is the standard legal term.

Post-war Shift

Understand that 'kokumin' replaced 'shinmin' after the war to reflect democracy.

JLPT Tip

This word appears frequently in N3 and N2 reading passages about society and culture.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'Koku' (Country) and 'Min' (Mini-people). The 'Mini-people' make up the whole 'Country'.

시각적 연상

Imagine a giant map of Japan made up of thousands of tiny people holding hands.

Word Web

Japan Citizen Passport Voting Taxes National Holiday Identity Public

챌린지

Try to find the word '国民' in a Japanese news article today and see what context it is used in (e.g., economy, health, or politics).

어원

The word is composed of two kanji: '国' (koku/kuni) meaning 'country' or 'nation' and '民' (min/tami) meaning 'people' or 'subjects'. It has been used since ancient times but took on its modern legal meaning during the Meiji Restoration.

원래 의미: Originally referred to the 'people of the land' or 'subjects of the realm' under a ruler.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

문화적 맥락

Be careful not to exclude long-term foreign residents (zainichi) when using 'kokumin' in a social sense, as 'jūmin' (residents) is more inclusive.

In English, we often say 'the public' or 'citizens'. 'Kokumin' is slightly more formal than 'the public' but used more frequently in daily news than 'citizens' is in English news.

The Constitution of Japan (Nihon-koku Kenpō) starts with 'Nihon kokumin...' The 'Kokumin-shō' (People's Honor Award) is a high-level award given by the Prime Minister. NHK often uses 'Kokumin no皆-sama' to address the audience.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Politics

国民の負託
国民投票
国民の期待
国民の審判

Economy

国民所得
国民総生産
国民の負担
国民の購買意欲

Daily Life

国民の祝日
国民健康保険
国民年金
国民生活

Entertainment

国民的スター
国民的人気
国民的アニメ
国民的行事

Law

国民の権利
国民の義務
日本国民
国民の主権

대화 시작하기

"日本で一番の国民的スターは誰だと思いますか？ (Who do you think is Japan's top national star?)"

"あなたの国の国民の祝日はいつですか？ (When are the national holidays in your country?)"

"国民の意見を政治に反映させるにはどうすればいいですか？ (How can we reflect the people's opinions in politics?)"

"国民健康保険について教えてください。 (Please tell me about the National Health Insurance.)"

"国民的アニメといえば、何を思い浮かべますか？ (Speaking of nationally popular anime, what comes to mind?)"

일기 주제

国民としての義務について、あなたの考えを書いてください。 (Write your thoughts on the duties of a citizen.)

あなたの国で「国民的」と言われる食べ物は何ですか？ (What food is called 'national' in your country?)

政府が国民の声を聞いていると感じますか？ (Do you feel the government is listening to the voice of the people?)

国民的英雄に必要な資質は何だと思いますか？ (What qualities do you think are necessary for a national hero?)

新しい国民の祝日を作るとしたら、どんな日にしますか？ (If you were to create a new national holiday, what kind of day would it be?)

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

You can, but only in formal legal contexts. In an introduction, use 'Nihon-jin' or 'America-jin'. Saying 'Watashi wa kokumin desu' sounds like you are a character in a political drama.

Think of the scale. 'Kokumin' is the country (Japan). 'Shimin' is the city (Tokyo). 'Shimin' also has a nuance of 'civilian' or 'activist'.

Yes. You can say 'Igirisu kokumin' (British nationals) or 'Kankoku kokumin' (Korean nationals).

It is a neutral, formal word. It is not 'polite' (keigo) in itself, but it is used in polite and formal speech.

It means something is so famous or popular that almost everyone in the country knows it (e.g., a national dish or a superstar).

Yes, especially when talking about holidays, insurance, or news about the government.

No, it is strictly for human members of a nation.

It is written with '国' (country) and '民' (people). Both are very common kanji.

It refers to 'national character' or the typical traits associated with the people of a specific country.

No, Japanese nouns don't have a plural form. 'Kokumin' can mean one person or the whole nation.

무료 가입하고 팁과 노트 보기