Translation and Meaning of: 君主 - kunshu

The Japanese word 君主 (くんしゅ) carries a deep and historical significance, representing a central concept in Japan's culture and politics. If you are looking to better understand what this expression means, how it is used in everyday life, or its origins, you've come to the right place. In this article, we will explore everything from the literal translation to the context in which this word appears, including tips for memorization and curiosities based on reliable sources.

Kenshi is a term that frequently appears in discussions about Japanese history, literature, and even in animes and dramas. Whether for academic studies or pure curiosity, understanding its correct usage and nuances can enrich your knowledge about the Japanese language and culture. Let’s start by uncovering its basic meaning and then dive into more detailed aspects.

Meaning and translation of 君主

The word 君主 (くんしゅ) can be translated as "monarch" or "sovereign." It refers to a figure of ultimate authority, usually a king, emperor, or ruler with hereditary power. Unlike terms such as 王 (おう, "king") or 皇帝 (こうてい, "emperor"), 君主 has a more generic tone and can be applied to different contexts of leadership.

It is worth noting that, although it is a formal term, 君主 is not very common in everyday Japanese. Its use is more related to historical texts, political discussions, or works of fiction depicting kingdoms and empires. This does not mean it is an obsolete word, but rather that it carries a specific cultural weight.

Origin and Historical Use

The composition of 君主 comes from the kanjis 君 (くん, "lord" or "you" in respectful contexts) and 主 (しゅ, "master" or "owner"). Together, they form a phrase that emphasizes the figure of a supreme leader. Historically, this term was used to refer to emperors and shoguns, especially in classical texts and official documents.

In feudal Japan, the idea of 君主 was closely tied to the concept of divine mandate, in which the ruler was seen as a representative of the gods. With the modernization of the country during the Meiji period, the term continued to be used, but acquired nuances closer to the Western concept of constitutional monarchy.

How to memorize and use 君主 correctly

An effective way to memorize 君主 is to associate it with well-known historical figures, such as Japanese emperors or European monarchs. For example, thinking about "the 君主 of Japan during World War II" helps to contextualize the word in a specific moment. Another tip is to create flashcards with usage examples, such as "その国には強い君主がいる" ("That country has a powerful monarch").

It is important to note that 君主 should not be confused with terms like 指導者 (しどうしゃ, "leader") or 支配者 (しはいしゃ, "ruler"), which have different connotations. While 君主 implies legitimacy and tradition, these other words may refer to leaders in broader contexts, including democracies and organizations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

  • 王 (Ō) - Rei
  • 帝王 (Teiō) - King of kings; supreme monarch
  • 天子 (Tenshi) - Son of Heaven; emperor
  • 主君 (Shukun) - Sir; master
  • 大君 (Ōkun) - Great prince; high dignitary
  • 大王 (Daiō) - Great king
  • 王様 (Ōsama) - Rei; respectful way to refer to the king
  • 皇帝 (Kōtei) - Emperor
  • 皇太子 (Kōtaishi) - Crown prince
  • 皇子 (Kōshi) - Son of the emperor
  • 皇族 (Kōzoku) - Imperial family
  • 皇家 (Kōke) - Of a royal family; belonging to royalty
  • 帝 (Tei) - Emperor
  • 帝国 (Teikoku) - Empire
  • 帝王国 (Teiōkoku) - Imperial Kingdom
  • 天皇 (Tennō) - Emperor of Japan

Related words

国王

kokuou

rei

kun

Mr. (junior); master; boy

ou

1. king; ruler; sovereign; monarch; 2. king (for senior player) (shogi)

王様

ousama

rei

君主

Romaji: kunshu
Kana: くんしゅ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: ruler; monarch

Meaning in English: ruler;monarch

Definition: The highest authority, such as a king or emperor, who rules a country.

Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (君主) kunshu

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (君主) kunshu:

Example Sentences - (君主) kunshu

See below some example sentences:

君主は国を統治する責任がある。

Kunshu wa kuni o tōchi suru sekinin ga aru

The monarch is responsible for the governance of the country.

  • 君主 - It means "monarch" in Japanese.
  • は - topic particle in Japanese, indicates that the subject of the sentence is the "monarch."
  • 国 - "País" significa "国" (kuni) em japonês.
  • を - object particle in Japanese, indicates that the "country" is the object of the action.
  • 統治する - "Governar" em japonês é "治める" (osameru).
  • 責任がある - 責任を持つ (せきにんをもつ)

Other Words of this Type: noun

See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun

昨日

kinou

Yesterday

幾分

ikubun

a little

工場

koujyou

factory; plant; mill; workshop

企画

kikaku

planning; project

印刷

insatsu

Print

monarch