nazione
L'Italia è una nazione con una lunga storia culturale.
Italy is a nation with a long cultural history.
A politically organized body of people under a single government, sharing a common culture, history, or language.
La Costituzione italiana riconosce il principio di autodeterminazione delle nazioni.
The Italian Constitution recognizes the principle of self-determination of nations.
Often used interchangeably with 'stato' (state) or 'paese' (country), but 'nazione' emphasizes cultural or ethnic identity.
A large body of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language, inhabiting a particular country or territory.
La nazione italiana ha radici antiche nel Mediterraneo.
The Italian nation has ancient roots in the Mediterranean.
Can refer to the people as a collective entity, not just the political structure.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguishing 'nazione' from 'stato'
'Nazione' focuses on cultural or ethnic identity (e.g., the Italian nation), while 'stato' refers to the political entity (e.g., the Italian state). For example, 'la nazione italiana' emphasizes the people, whereas 'lo stato italiano' refers to the government.
Word Origin
From Latin *natio*, *nationis* (birth, origin, people, tribe), derived from *nascere* (to be born). The term evolved in Italian from the 13th century to denote a group of people sharing common origins or culture.
Usage Notes
In political contexts, 'nazione' often implies a stronger sense of cultural or ethnic unity than 'stato' (state), which is more administrative. Avoid overusing 'nazione' in casual conversation unless referring to national identity or politics.