Meaning and Usage
"国家" (こっか) refers to a country or nation as a political entity. It is often used in formal contexts such as government, law, and international relations.
Common Collocations
- 国家安全 (こっかあんぜん): national security, used when discussing protection of the country.
- 国家試験 (こっかしけん): national exam, a standardized test administered by the government.
- 国家元首 (こっかげんしゅ): head of state, referring to the leader of a country.
Nuances and Register
"国家" is more formal and official than words like "国" (くに). It emphasizes the political and legal aspects of a country rather than just the geographical or cultural.
Learner Tips
Be careful not to confuse "国家" with "国". While "国" can be used casually to mean country, "国家" is used in formal or official contexts. For example, "国家の安全" (national security) sounds natural, but "国の安全" is less formal and might be used in everyday conversation.
Summary
Use "国家" when talking about a country in terms of government, law, or official matters. It appears frequently in news, politics, and academic discussions.