君 (jūn) - sovereign & ruler

君Tone 1

jūn ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 口

嬿呈

君 · jūn

sovereign;

ruler;

monarch;

gentleman;

you (honorific);

a title of respect

sovereignrulermonarch

Usage highlights

gentlemanmonarchmonarchysovereign stateyour esteemed selfMr./Ms.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 臣— subject; minister (opposite of ruler)
  • 小人— petty person; villain (opposite of gentleman)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He is a true gentleman (君子).
  • The king addressed his subjects (君主).
  • Please have some tea (请君用茶).
  • This is Mr. Wang's residence (王君府上).

Collocations

  • gentleman(君子)
  • monarch(君主)
  • monarchy(君主制)
  • sovereign state(君主国)
  • your esteemed self(君)
  • Mr./Ms. (used after surname)(张君)

Idioms

  • A gentleman's friendship is as pure as water(君子之交淡如水)
  • A gentleman is not a vessel(君子不器)
  • The gentleman seeks harmony but not uniformity(君子和而不同)
  • A gentleman is cautious when alone(君子慎独)
  • The gentleman is at ease without being arrogant; the small man is arrogant without being at ease(君子泰而不骄，小人骄而不泰)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Confucianism, 君子 (jūnzǐ) represents the ideal moral person—cultured, virtuous, and righteous.
  • Historically used as an honorific for rulers and later extended to respected individuals.
  • Common in classical poetry and literature as a term of address between friends or to a beloved.

FAQ