1.
citizens, nationals
The people who belong to a particular nation.
日本国民として誇りを持つ。
To be proud as a Japanese citizen.
国民投票が行われた。
A national referendum was held.
政府は国民の生活を守る責任がある。特に緊急時には、迅速な対応が求められる。
The government has a responsibility to protect the lives of its citizens. Especially in emergencies, a swift response is required.
2.
the people, the public
The general population of a country.
国民の声を聞くべきだ。
We should listen to the voice of the people.
国民の多くがこの政策に反対している。
Many of the people are opposed to this policy.
国民一人ひとりが環境問題について考えなければならない。
Each and every citizen must think about environmental issues.
国民 refers to the citizens or people of a nation.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 国民の権利 (citizens' rights)
- 国民の義務 (citizens' duties)
- 全国民 (all citizens)
COMPOUND WORDS:
- 国民投票 (national referendum)
- 国民年金 (national pension)
- 国民健康保険 (national health insurance)
- 国民性 (national character)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 国民: citizens (political/legal sense)
- 人民: the people (more political)
- 市民: citizens (of a city, or civil rights sense)
- 住民: residents