曌 (zhào) - Zhao — a character created by Empress Wu & symbolizes imperial power and enlightenment.

曌Tone 4

zhào ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

丈志

曌 · zhào

Zhao — a character created by Empress Wu Zetian for her own name, meaning 'sun and moon in the sky' or 'brilliant light shining upon the earth';

symbolizes imperial power and enlightenment.

Zhao — a character created by Empress Wusymbolizes imperial power and enlightenment.

Usage highlights

Wu Zetian's nameSun and moon in skyImperial characterCreated characterTang dynasty empressFemale emperor

Synonyms

  • 照— to shine, illuminate (original character with similar meaning)
  • 明— bright, clear (sharing the sun and moon components)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Empress Wu Zetian's personal name(武则天本名武曌)
  • The character represents sun and moon in the sky(日月当空)
  • This character embodies imperial authority(皇权象征)
  • Used in historical texts about the Tang dynasty(唐代历史)

Collocations

  • Wu Zetian's name(武则天)
  • Sun and moon in sky(日月当空)
  • Imperial character(帝王字)
  • Created character(造字)
  • Tang dynasty empress(唐代女皇)
  • Female emperor(女皇帝)

Idioms

  • Sun and moon shining in the sky(日月当空照)
  • The brilliance illuminates all under heaven(光芒普照天下)
  • Imperial authority like sun and moon(皇权如日月)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Created by Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history, for her regnal name.
  • Combines the characters for sun (日), moon (月), and empty/sky (空) to symbolize her power encompassing both sun and moon.
  • Represents one of the most famous examples of character creation in Chinese history.
  • Symbolizes the ultimate authority and enlightenment in Chinese imperial tradition.

FAQ