Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| アメリカ | Amerika | [a̠me̞ɾʲika̠] (narrow) |
| 合衆国 | Gasshūkoku | [ɡa̠ɕːɨːko̞kɯ̟] (narrow) |
| アメリカ合衆国 | Amerika Gasshūkoku | [a̠me̞ɾʲika̠ ɡa̠ɕːɨːko̞kɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 米国 | Beikoku | [be̞ːko̞kɯ̟] (narrow) |
These terms are used to refer to the country in North America. While アメリカ is the standard way to name the country in daily life, more specific or formal versions exist depending on whether you are speaking casually, writing a news report or using the full official name of the nation.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 合衆国 (Gasshūkoku) literally means 'united states' or 'united republic'. It is composed of 合 meaning 'unite', 衆 meaning 'the masses/people' and 国 meaning 'country'.
Which one should you use?
アメリカ (Amerika) is the most common and conversational way to refer to the United States in daily speech. アメリカ合衆国 (Amerika Gasshūkoku) is the full, formal name used in official contexts such as treaties or formal geography.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
アメリカ is used informally in everyday conversation. 米国 is a formal term used primarily in journalism and official documents. The single kanji 米 is also used in formal, concise contexts like headlines. For the highest level of official formality, use the full name アメリカ合衆国.
How do you pronounce it?
Amerika
Did you know?
- The phrase 合衆国 was likely coined before 1844 by Elijah Coleman Bridgman, an American missionary.
Examples in context
- アメリカ出身です。I'm from the United States.This sentence is useful for stating your place of origin using アメリカ.Tatoeba #10838415 by small_snow, translation #7790118 by Ricardo14
- アメリカから来ました。I'm from the United States of America.This sentence is useful for stating where you came from using アメリカ.Tatoeba #2231208 by tommy_san, translation #7790119 by Ricardo14
- 米国大統領は今来日中です。The President of the United States is now in Japan.This sentence is useful for a news-style context involving the President using 米国.Tatoeba #83488 by KK_kaku_, translation #320228 by CK
- 104 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are talking about their travel plans.
- 蓮 Renいつかアメリカに行きたいです。itsuka amerika ni ikitai desu.I want to go to the United States someday.
- 陽葵 Himariいいですね。どこに行きたいですか？ii desu ne. doko ni ikitai desu ka?That sounds great. Where do you want to go?
- 蓮 Renニューヨークや LA に興味があります。nyuuyoku ya er e i ni kyoumi ga arimasu.I'm interested in New York and LA.
- 陽葵 Himariアメリカはとても広いですよね。amerika wa totemo hiroi desu yo ne.The United States is very large, isn't it?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “united states” translations and entries アメリカ, 合衆国, アメリカ合衆国, 米国, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries アメリカ, アメリカ合衆国, 合衆国, 米国, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
