先進国

• Reading: せんしんこく
• Romaji: senshinkoku
• Kanji breakdown: 先 (sen) — ahead; 進 (shin) — advance; 国 (koku) — country
• Pronunciation: /seɴ.ɕiɴ.ko.kɯ/

Meaning

Developed country; advanced nation; industrialised country.

A compound noun combining 先進 (advanced/developed) and 国 (country). Refers to nations with high levels of economic development, industrialisation, and standards of living. Commonly contrasted with 発展途上国 (developing country) or 新興国 (emerging country). Frequently used in news, politics, and international affairs.

Examples

1. 先進国の中で日本の労働時間は長い方だ。 Japan has relatively long working hours among developed countries.
2. G7は主要先進国の首脳が集まる会議だ。 The G7 is a summit where the leaders of major developed nations gather.
3. 先進国と途上国の経済格差が問題になっている。 The economic gap between developed and developing countries is a growing problem.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, economics, news

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 先進国. 先進 (senshin) means advanced or pioneering, and 国 (koku) means country. A term that became widely used in the post-war era as international economic classifications gained prominence.

Cultural Context

Era: Post-war

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal