46

Japanese Emperor


Meaning

Japanese Emperor, Emperor Of Japan

Word Type

independent noun

Explanation

The one true sovereign is the Japanese emperor, a.k.a. the emperor of Japan. On its own, 帝 only refers to him, not to other emperors around the world. 帝 is a classical term for the emperor in Japan. It's found in works of classical literature, historical novels, or period dramas that are set in feudal Japan. In modern Japanese, the Japanese emperor is called 天皇.


Reading

みかど

Explanation

To remember the reading, think about how the Japanese Emperor, can always pull out his "me card" (みかど) when he's in trouble. It's kind of like how a "trump card" is the one that's above all the others, but with the emperor he's always up there, so it's a "me card" to him. And who's gonna argue with the emperor? Not me.


Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 帝に就く

    to assume the position of emperor

    帝に献上する

    to offer something to the emperor

    帝に仕える

    to serve the emperor

  • 帝の弟

    the younger brother of the emperor

    帝の母

    the mother of the emperor

    帝の命

    the life of the emperor

  • 帝が即位する

    the emperor ascends to the throne

    帝が重体になる

    the emperor's condition becomes critical

    帝が崩御する

    the emperor passes away

  • 当時の帝

    the emperor at that time

    時の帝

    the emperor of the time

    次の帝

    the next emperor

Context Sentences

人々は、帝がお出でになるということで、国旗を掲げました。

People hung the national flag for the Japanese Emperor’s visit.


Kanji Composition