Translation guide
To express "various countries" in Japanese, the most common approach is to use the word 各国 (kakkoku), which directly means "each country" or "various countries." Other options include 諸国 (shokoku), which is more formal and often used in compound words, and phrases like 様々な国 (samazamana kuni) or 色々な国 (iroirona kuni), which are more descriptive and conversational.
Referring to multiple different countries in a general sense, often in news, reports, or formal contexts.
The most common and neutral term for 'various countries.' It is widely used in news, business, and everyday contexts.
各国の代表が会議に出席した。
Representatives from various countries attended the conference.
この問題は各国で議論されている。
This issue is being discussed in various countries.
A more formal or literary term, often used in compound words like 諸外国 (shogaikoku) or in historical contexts. It can sound stiff in casual conversation.
アジア諸国との貿易が拡大している。
Trade with various Asian countries is expanding.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'various countries.' It is more conversational and emphasizes diversity.
様々な国から留学生が来ている。
Exchange students are coming from various countries.
Similar to 様々な国, but slightly more casual. Commonly used in spoken Japanese.
色々な国を旅行してみたい。
I want to travel to various countries.
Highlighting a large number of countries, often with a sense of 'many' rather than just 'various.'
Means 'many countries.' It focuses on the quantity rather than the variety, but can overlap with 'various.'
多くの国がこの条約に署名した。
Many countries signed this treaty.
A more emphatic version of 多くの国, meaning 'a great number of countries.' Slightly more formal.
数多くの国が参加を表明した。
A great number of countries expressed their participation.
Specifically referring to countries outside one's own, often in news or formal contexts.
Means 'various foreign countries.' Commonly used in news and official statements.
諸外国の事例を参考にする。
We refer to examples from various foreign countries.
A more roundabout way to say 'various foreign countries.' It is less common but can be used for clarity.
外国の様々な国から観光客が訪れる。
Tourists visit from various foreign countries.
各国 (kakkoku) is the standard, everyday word for 'various countries.' 諸国 (shokoku) is more formal and often appears in compounds like 諸外国 (shogaikoku) or in set phrases like 東南アジア諸国 (Tōnan Ajia shokoku, Southeast Asian countries). In casual conversation, 各国 is preferred.
各国の料理を楽しんだ。
I enjoyed cuisines from various countries.
欧米諸国ではこの習慣が一般的だ。
This custom is common in various Western countries.
Both mean 'various countries,' but 様々な (samazamana) is slightly more formal and emphasizes diversity, while 色々な (iroirona) is more casual and common in speech. In writing, 様々な is often preferred.
各国から人々がそのイベントに参加した。
People from various countries participated in the event.
その会社は各国に製品を輸出している。
The company exports products to various countries.