国

國

guó

囗 + 玉

HSK 3.0Level 1

Definitions

guó (noun) country; nation; state

Etymology

Simplified form of 國. Phonosemantic compound. 囗 represents the meaning and 或 represents the sound.

About

The character 国 designates a country, nation, or state. It is the simplified form of 國, a phonosemantic compound made of 囗 (an enclosure, indicating borders or a walled domain) and 或 (representing the sound). The simplified form replaces the inner 或 with 玉 "jade", evoking the wealth, precious authority, or imperial seal held within a nation's boundaries. 国 stands as an independent noun and is a productive element in compounds related to national identity, domestic affairs, and state-run enterprises.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Early Spring and Autumn (~700 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Spring and Autumn (771-476 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我喜欢中国。

Wǒ xǐhuān Zhōngguó.

I like China.

中国是一个大国。

Zhōngguó shì yīgè dà guó.

China is a big country.

我们爱我们的国家。

Wǒmen ài wǒmen de guójiā.

We love our country.

国庆节我们很快乐。

Guóqìng jié wǒmen hěn kuàilè.

We are very happy on National Day.

他出国旅行了。

Tā chūguó lǚxíng le.

He went abroad for travel.

这个国家有悠久的历史。

Zhège guójiā yǒu yōujiǔ de lìshǐ.

This country has a long history.

为了国家的发展，我们努力工作。

Wèile guójiā de fāzhǎn, wǒmen nǔlì gōngzuò.

For the development of the country, we work hard.

国际合作对于解决全球问题至关重要。

Guójì hézuò duìyú jiějué quánqiú wèntí zhìguān zhòngyào.

International cooperation is crucial for solving global problems.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 囗

Component: 玉

Example Words