お国 would only be used when you would have some reason to make the word polite.
If you're asking a person where they are from, お国はどちらですか is polite, but 国はどちらですか is less polite but does literally mean the same thing.
However, if you have no reason to make it polite, for instance, you're just talking about countries in a neutral way, there would be no reason to use お国, and that's why 国's entry is broader.
I would say this is more about what the phrase "mean the same thing" actually means. They are not interchangeable in all senses, but お国 really does just mean "country" when it's used, the same as 国. It's the context that determine which one is proper to use.
It's also worth acknowledging that your teacher likely said this while being aware of words where お does not merely confer politeness, but fundamentally changes the meaning.
袋 (ふくろ) bag
お袋 (おふくろ) one's mother
前 (まえ) before / in front
お前 (おまえ) you (usually considered rude)
陰 (かげ) shadow
お陰 (おがけ) assistance or help from someone
There are many others like that as well. In the case of お国 and 国, the change is not dramatic.
Thank you for the response, your help has answered Emmy question very very well. 🙏
お国 or 国
Hello,
Recently my Japanese teacher told us that お国 (Okuni) and 国 (kuni) mean the same thing, one being politer.
Now I believe him but at the same time on here it shows お国 as native country/ country of origin. And 国 as country/current residence.
Could someone explain if I'm wrong, and if so what do they mean, and is there a better option.
-Addison :)