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— meaning in English: king

ō · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for king
穀物
kokumotsu
ローン
rōn
ō
ブランチ
buranchi
エンジニア
enjinia
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formal common
Usage
Native speakers often use 王 (ō) in formal contexts, such as historical discussions or literature. It may also appear in conversations about monarchy or governance, and in media, such as anime or movies depicting royal characters.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 君主 (kunshu), which means 'monarch' or 'sovereign'. While 王 (ō) specifically denotes a king, 君主 can refer to any ruler, including queens and emperors. You might choose 王 when specifically discussing a king's role or legacy versus a broader discussion on monarchy.
Culture
The character 王 (ō) has deep historical roots in East Asian cultures, symbolizing authority and power. In Japan, it has influenced many words related to kingship and leadership, such as 王者 (ōja), meaning 'king' or 'ruler'. Interestingly, in ancient times, the concept of kingship was often intertwined with divine right, making the role of a king seen as both political and spiritual.
FAQ
Q.What is the meaning of the Japanese word 王?
The Japanese word 王 (ō) means 'king' in English, signifying a male monarch who reigns over a territory or nation.
Q.How do you use 王 in a sentence?
You can use 王 in a sentence like: '彼は王として知られています' (Kare wa ō to shite shirareteimasu), meaning 'He is known as a king.'
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 王?
A common mistake is to confuse 王 with other titles like 皇帝 (kōtei) for 'emperor'. Remember, 王 specifically refers to a king, while 皇帝 denotes a higher rank of sovereign.
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