阼 (zuò) - The eastern steps (of a hall or temple), & throne, imperial authority.

阼Tone 4

zuò ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 阝

志

阼 · zuò

The eastern steps (of a hall or temple), traditionally used by the host or sovereign;

throne, imperial authority.

The eastern steps (of a hall or temple),throne, imperial authority.

Usage highlights

Ascend the throneEastern stepsImperial stepsThrone stepsHost's positionAccession ceremony

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 宾阶— guest's steps (western steps)
  • 臣位— subject's position

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The emperor ascended the eastern steps (登阼) for the ceremony.
  • The host stood on the zuo steps (阼阶) to welcome guests.
  • His accession to the throne (践阼) was celebrated throughout the land.

Collocations

  • Ascend the throne(践阼)
  • Eastern steps(阼阶)
  • Imperial steps(帝阼)
  • Throne steps(阼席)
  • Host's position(主阼)
  • Accession ceremony(阼礼)

Idioms

  • Ascend the eastern steps to assume sovereignty(践阼称帝)
  • Stand on the zuo steps to perform rites(立阼行礼)
  • The sovereign's position at the eastern steps(天子阼阶)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In ancient Chinese ritual architecture, the eastern steps (阼) were reserved for the host or sovereign, while the western steps were for guests.
  • The character appears primarily in classical texts and historical contexts related to imperial ceremonies and ancestral temple rituals.
  • 'Ascending the zuo steps' (践阼) became a metonym for assuming imperial power or succeeding to the throne.

FAQ