郡 — meaning in English: county

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Guess the translation for county

郡

gun

スーツ

sūtsu

ピアノ

piano

緊張

kinchō

視線

shisen

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formal common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 郡 (gun) when discussing administrative divisions within Japan, particularly in formal contexts like government documents or local governance meetings. For instance, you might hear it when local officials are discussing regional policies or when travelers are inquiring about the area they are visiting.

Synonyms & nuances

郡 (gun) is often used interchangeably with 区 (ku), which means 'ward' or 'district' but typically refers to urban areas. You would choose 郡 when referring to more rural administrative regions, emphasizing the county's governance rather than its urban characteristics.

Culture

The word 郡 (gun) has its roots in the classical Chinese word '郡', which referred to subdivisions in ancient China. In Japan, it reflects the historical influence of Chinese governance models and is significant since Japan adopted the concept during the Nara period, leading to the establishment of its own administrative divisions that included counties or districts.

FAQ

Q.What does 郡 mean in English?

郡 translates to 'county' in English and refers to an administrative division within a larger region, such as a prefecture.

Q.How is 郡 used in Japanese sentences?

郡 is used to indicate a specific county, such as in '北海道の郡' (Hokkaido no gun), meaning 'the county of Hokkaido.' It helps specify the area being discussed.

Q.What are common mistakes with using 郡?

A common mistake is confusing 郡 with 市 (shi), which means 'city.' Remember, 郡 refers to a county, which can include multiple towns and villages, while 市 is more urban.

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