皇 (huáng) - emperor & sovereign

皇Tone 2

huáng ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical: 白

枫惠

皇 · huáng

emperor;

sovereign;

royal;

magnificent;

grand

emperorsovereignroyal

Usage highlights

emperorimperial palaceimperial capitalroyal familyimperial powerAugust Emperor

Synonyms

  • 帝— emperor; sovereign
  • 王— king; monarch

Antonyms

  • 民— common people; subjects
  • 臣— minister; subject

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The emperor issued a decree (皇帝下诏).
  • This is the imperial palace (皇宫).
  • He has a majestic appearance (仪表皇皇).
  • The imperial capital was magnificent (皇都宏伟).

Collocations

  • emperor(皇帝)
  • imperial palace(皇宫)
  • imperial capital(皇都)
  • royal family(皇室)
  • imperial power(皇权)
  • August Emperor (a title for the emperor)(皇上)

Idioms

  • The emperor's new clothes(皇帝的新装)
  • The Son of Heaven (a term for the emperor)(皇天子)
  • Majestic and virtuous(皇皇者德)
  • The August Heaven(皇天)
  • The imperial way(皇道)
  • The three emperors and five sovereigns (legendary rulers)(三皇五帝)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Historically, '皇' was a title for sovereign rulers in China, most famously used by Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor.
  • The character conveys a sense of grandeur, majesty, and supreme authority, deeply embedded in Chinese imperial history.
  • It is associated with the concept of the 'Mandate of Heaven' (天命), which legitimized imperial rule.

FAQ