国土

• Reading: こくど
• Romaji: kokudo
• Kanji breakdown: 国 (koku) — country, nation; 土 (do) — earth, soil, land
• Pronunciation: /ko.kɯ.do/

Meaning

Country; territory; the land area belonging to a nation; domain or realm.

A noun referring to the physical territory of a nation, including its land, waters, and natural features. Often used in discussions about geography, national defence, land development, and natural disasters. Common phrases: 国土交通省 (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism), 国土面積 (national land area), 国土を守る (to defend the territory).

Examples

1. 日本の国土の約70%は山地が占めている。 About 70% of Japan's territory is mountainous.
2. 台風は広い範囲の国土に被害を与えた。 The typhoon caused damage across a wide area of the country's territory.
3. 国土交通省がインフラ整備の計画を発表した。 The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism announced an infrastructure development plan.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, government, defence

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 国 (country, nation) + 土 (earth, soil, land). Together they describe the physical land that constitutes a nation's domain.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal