I'm learning 한국어

공화국 — meaning in English: republic

gonghwagug · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for republic
목구멍
moggumeong
캠페인
kaempein
환경
hwangyeong
공화국
gonghwagug
다양한
dayanghan
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Korean for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
formal common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word 공화국 when discussing government structure, particularly in formal contexts like political debates or educational settings. It's also commonly heard in media reports when referencing countries that identify as republics, such as 대한민국 (the Republic of Korea).
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 국가 (gukga), which means 'nation' or 'state'. While 국가 emphasizes the idea of a political entity or territory, 공화국 specifically refers to a republic with an elected government, making it a more precise term in political discourse.
Culture
The term 공화국 has its roots in the Latin word 'res publica', meaning 'public matter', which reflects the principles of governance by the people. It signifies a political state where sovereignty resides with the citizens, a notion that has shaped modern democracy in Korea, especially following the establishment of the Republic of Korea in 1948 after the Korean War.
FAQ
Q.What does 공화국 mean in English?
공화국 translates to 'republic' in English, which refers to a political system where the country is considered a 'public matter' and is not the private concern or property of the rulers.
Q.How is 공화국 used in everyday conversation?
In everyday conversation, 공화국 is often used in discussions about government, citizenship, and political rights, especially when talking about South Korea's political system or comparing it to other countries.
Q.Are there common mistakes when using 공화국?
A common mistake is using 공화국 interchangeably with 나라 (nara), which simply means 'country'. While both terms can refer to a nation, 공화국 specifies a type of government, making it important to choose the right term based on context.
Learn korean with Maspeak →
Korean 2000