国務

• Reading: こくむ
• Romaji: kokumu
• Kanji breakdown: 国 (koku) — nation, state; 務 (mu) — duty, affairs, service
• Pronunciation: /ko.kɯ.mɯ/

Meaning

National affairs; state affairs. The business and duties of governing a nation at the highest level.

Used primarily in compound forms such as 国務大臣 (Minister of State — a cabinet minister in Japan who holds a portfolio) and 国務省 (State Department, used for the US equivalent). In Japanese domestic context, 国務大臣 refers to members of the Cabinet appointed under the Constitution. A formal term with clear constitutional significance.

Examples

1. 国務大臣は内閣の一員として首相を補佐する責務を負う。 A Minister of State bears the responsibility of assisting the prime minister as a member of the cabinet.
2. 米国国務省は外交政策の立案と執行を担う機関だ。 The U.S. Department of State is the agency responsible for formulating and executing foreign policy.
3. 国務に専念するため、大臣は兼職を辞する慣行がある。 There is a customary practice of ministers resigning from concurrent positions in order to devote themselves to state affairs.

Usage Guide

Context: government, constitutional law, diplomacy

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound. 国 (koku/kuni) means nation or state; 務 (mu) means duty, service, or affairs (as in 業務, 任務). Together they denote the official duties and affairs of the state.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated