Meaning and Usage
"国民" (こくみん) refers to the citizens or people of a nation. It is commonly used in formal contexts such as government, law, and social issues. When you use "国民," you are emphasizing the collective members of a country rather than individuals.
Common Collocations
- 国民の安全 (こくみんのあんぜん): safety of the citizens
- 国民投票 (こくみんとうひょう): national referendum
- 国民一人ひとり (こくみんひとりひとり): each citizen
These collocations often appear in news, politics, and official statements.
Register and Nuance
"国民" is a formal word and is rarely used in casual conversation. It carries a sense of official or legal context. Avoid confusing it with "市民" (しみん), which means city residents or citizens and is more local.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "国民" with "国人" or "市民." Remember, "国民" always refers to the people of a nation as a whole, not just a city or region.