挙国

• Reading: きょこく
• Romaji: kyokoku
• Kanji breakdown: 挙 (kyo) — raise, whole, all; 国 (koku/kuni) — country, nation
• Pronunciation: /kʲo.ko.kɯ/

Meaning

Whole nation; national; country-wide. Involving or representing the entire nation.

A prefix noun used almost exclusively in formal compounds such as 挙国一致 (national unity), 挙国体制 (national mobilisation system), and 挙国的な取り組み (nationwide effort). It conveys the idea of every part of the nation working together, often in times of crisis or great endeavour. Primarily encountered in historical and formal political contexts.

Examples

1. 戦時中、政府は挙国一致の体制を呼びかけた。 During wartime, the government called for a system of national unity.
2. 大規模災害への対応には、挙国的な支援体制が求められる。 Responding to large-scale disasters requires a nationwide support structure.
3. 挙国一致内閣の樹立が、政局打開の切り札として浮上した。 The formation of a national unity cabinet emerged as a trump card for breaking the political deadlock.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, history, national emergency, governance

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 挙 (kyo, raise/whole) and 国 (koku, country). 挙 in this compound carries the classical meaning of 'all' or 'the entirety,' parallel to its use in 挙手 (raise a hand) or 挙げる (to raise/mention).

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal