What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
citizen
Example
She became a citizen of the United States after living there for five years. [citizen: noun]
Example
As a citizen, it is our duty to vote in the upcoming election. [citizen: pronoun]
national
Example
The national flag represents the pride and identity of a country. [national: adjective]
Example
He is a proud national of Japan and loves his country deeply. [national: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Citizen is more commonly used than national in everyday language, especially when talking about legal status and rights. National is more commonly used in specific contexts such as national holidays, national identity, or national pride.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between citizen and national?
While citizen is typically associated with a more formal tone and is commonly used in legal or official contexts, national is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal situations.