1.
the whole country; all over the nation
Every part of a country, considered as a whole. Often used to mean that something spread or happened nationwide.
その歌は国中で流行った。
That song became popular all over the country.
国中が優勝のニュースに沸いた。
The whole country was thrilled by the news of the championship.
大きな地震の後、国中から支援物資が届いた。
After the big earthquake, relief supplies arrived from all over the country.
Compound of 国 (country) + the suffix 〜中, which attaches to a place noun to mean 'all over' or 'throughout'.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 国中に広がる: to spread across the whole country
- 国中で話題になる: to become a topic nationwide
USAGE:
The suffix 〜中 marks spatial extent ('throughout a place'). Read as ちゅう it instead marks a time span ('during'). Compare 世界中 (all over the world), 町中 (all over town).
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 全国: the whole country — more neutral and common, especially in formal or written contexts