帝 (dì) - Emperor — the supreme ruler of an empire & also refers to the highest deity in Chinese

帝Tone 4

dì ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical: 巾

橙丁

帝 · dì

Emperor — the supreme ruler of an empire;

also refers to the highest deity in Chinese mythology;

used metaphorically for something supreme or paramount.

Emperor — the supreme ruler of an empirealso refers to the highest deity in Chineseused metaphorically for something supreme or paramount.

Usage highlights

EmperorImperial powerImperial palaceImperial systemSupreme deityImperial capital

Synonyms

  • 皇— sovereign, emperor
  • 王— king, ruler
  • 君— monarch, ruler

Antonyms

  • 臣— subject, minister
  • 民— common people
  • 仆— servant

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The emperor issued a decree (皇帝颁布诏书).
  • He was crowned emperor (他被加冕为帝).
  • This is the imperial palace (这是帝宫).
  • Shangdi is the supreme deity in ancient Chinese religion (上帝).

Collocations

  • Emperor(皇帝)
  • Imperial power(帝权)
  • Imperial palace(帝宫)
  • Imperial system(帝制)
  • Supreme deity(上帝)
  • Imperial capital(帝都)

Idioms

  • The emperor's new clothes(皇帝的新装)
  • Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors(三皇五帝)
  • The Son of Heaven(天子)
  • Supreme ultimate(太极)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to the highest deity (Shangdi) in ancient Chinese religion before being applied to earthly rulers.
  • The title '皇帝' (huángdì) was first adopted by Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of a unified China.
  • The concept of the 'Mandate of Heaven' (天命) legitimized imperial rule in Chinese political philosophy.

FAQ