島国(しまぐに)

しまぐに
noun
island country, island nation
1. island country, island nation
A country consisting entirely of islands, surrounded by sea. Often used in reference to Japan as an island nation, especially when discussing how geography has shaped its culture and character.
日本(にほん)は島国(しまぐに)だ。
Japan is an island country.
島国(しまぐに)なので、魚(さかな)を食(た)べる文化(ぶんか)が発達(はったつ)した。
Being an island country, a culture of eating fish developed.
島国(しまぐに)の日本(にほん)は海(うみ)に囲(かこ)まれている。
Japan, an island nation, is surrounded by the sea.

島国(しまぐに) is a compound of 島(しま) (island) + 国(くに) (country). The reading uses rendaku (国(くに) → ぐに).

CULTURAL NOTE:
In Japanese discourse, 島国(しまぐに) frequently appears in discussions about Japan's national character, isolation, and cultural uniqueness. The phrase 島国根性(しまぐにこんじょう) (island mentality) refers to perceived insular or parochial attitudes.

EXAMPLES OF ISLAND COUNTRIES:

  • 日本(にほん) (Japan)
  • イギリス (United Kingdom)
  • フィリピン (Philippines)
general
Added 2026.2.21 11:56
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