外国

• Reading: がいこく
• Romaji: gaikoku
• Kanji breakdown: 外 (gai) — outside, foreign; 国 (koku) — country, nation
• Pronunciation: /ɡai.ko.kɯ/

Meaning

Foreign country. Used to refer to countries other than Japan.

A noun meaning foreign country or abroad. It is one of the most common ways to express the concept of 'overseas' in Japanese. Related words include 外国人 (gaikokujin, foreigner) and 外国語 (gaikokugo, foreign language). The word carries a neutral tone and is used in both casual and formal contexts.

Examples

1. 外国に行ったことがありますか。 Have you ever been to a foreign country?
2. 外国の文化にとても興味があります。 I'm very interested in foreign cultures.
3. 兄は外国で働いています。 My older brother works abroad.

Usage Guide

Context: travel, culture, conversation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

A compound of 外 (outside) and 国 (country). The literal meaning 'outside country' clearly conveys the concept of a foreign land.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal