国民

• Reading: こくみん
• Romaji: kokumin
• Kanji breakdown: 国 (koku) — country, nation; 民 (min) — people, folk
• Pronunciation: /ko.kɯ.miɴ/

Meaning

People of a country; nation; citizen; national. Refers to the collective citizenry of a nation.

A noun emphasizing membership in a national community. 国民 carries a political and civic nuance, often appearing in discussions of rights, duties, and national identity. Common collocations include 国民健康保険 (national health insurance), 国民の義務 (civic duties), and 全国民 (all citizens).

Examples

1. 国民の生活を守ることが政府の役割だ。 Protecting the lives of the people is the role of the government.
2. 選挙は国民にとって大切な権利です。 Voting is an important right for the citizens.
3. 国民健康保険に加入している。 I'm enrolled in national health insurance.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, news, law

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 国 (country, nation) and 民 (people, folk). Together they refer to the people belonging to a nation.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal