国境

• Reading: こっきょう
• Romaji: kokkyou
• Kanji breakdown: 国 (koku) — country, nation; 境 (kyou/sakai) — boundary, border
• Pronunciation: /kok.kjoː/

Meaning

National border; state boundary. The line separating one country from another.

A noun referring to the geographic or political boundary between nations. Used in geography, politics, and travel contexts. The famous opening of Kawabata's Snow Country features this word: 国境の長いトンネルを抜けると雪国であった. Can also be read as くにざかい in older or literary usage.

Examples

1. 車で国境を越えて隣の国に入った。 We crossed the border by car and entered the neighboring country.
2. 国境付近では厳しい検査が行われている。 Strict inspections are carried out near the border.
3. 国境を越えた協力が世界の平和に必要だ。 Cross-border cooperation is necessary for world peace.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, politics, travel

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 国 (country) and 境 (boundary, border). Literally 'country boundary,' clearly denoting where one nation's territory ends and another's begins.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal