国 – Country (Koku / Kuni Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 国.
Kanji 国 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
国 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 中国 (chuugoku – China) and 外国人 (gaikokujin – foreigner).
Used as a standalone word meaning country or homeland, such as 国に帰る (kuni ni kaeru – to return to one's home country).
国 Stroke Order – How to Write 国
国 is written with 8 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the enclosing box first (left, top, right strokes), then the inner component 玉, closing with the bottom horizontal of the box.
Common Words Using 国 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 10 essential words that use the kanji 国, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 国
See 国 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
あなたの国はどこですか。
あなたの くには どこですか。
Anata no kuni wa doko desu ka.
Where is your country?
私は外国に住んだことがあります。
わたしは がいこくに すんだことが あります。
Watashi wa gaikoku ni sunda koto ga arimasu.
I have lived in a foreign country.
彼は中国から来ました。
かれは ちゅうごくから きました。
Kare wa chuugoku kara kimashita.
He came from China.
学校で国語を勉強します。
がっこうで こくごを べんきょうします。
Gakkou de kokugo o benkyou shimasu.
I study Japanese language at school.
式典で国旗が掲げられました。
しきてんで こっきが かかげられました。
Shikiten de kokki ga kakageraremashita.
The national flag was raised at the ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions About 国
What does the Kanji 国 mean?
国 means country or nation. It is a common JLPT N5 kanji and appears in many everyday words such as 外国 (gaikoku, foreign country) and 中国 (chuugoku, China).
What is the Onyomi reading of 国?
The Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading of 国 is コク (koku), as in 中国 (chuugoku, China) and 外国人 (gaikokujin, foreigner).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 国?
The Kunyomi (native Japanese) reading of 国 is くに (kuni), meaning "country," as in 国 (kuni, country/homeland) and 国々 (kuniguni, various countries).
How many strokes does 国 have?
国 is written with 8 strokes.
Is 国 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 国 is part of the official JLPT N5 kanji list and is essential for talking about countries, nationalities, and geography.
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