Meaning
帝王 refers to emperors and kings, the highest rulers in imperial China. It's a formal, classical term that encompasses both 帝 (emperor) and 王 (king), often used when discussing ancient dynasties, imperial power, or monarchical systems in general.
Usage
This is a literary and historical term, commonly found in texts about Chinese history, classical literature, and discussions of imperial culture. Modern speakers use it when referring to historical emperors or in formal, elevated contexts. It carries connotations of supreme authority and traditional power structures.
Examples
- 01中国历史上有许多著名的帝王。.There have been many famous emperors in Chinese history.
- 02这座宫殿曾是帝王居住的地方。.This palace was once where emperors resided.
Characters
Measure words
- 位一位帝王
- 个一个帝王
Common collocations
- 帝王之术the art of rulership
- 帝王将相emperors, generals, and ministers
- 历代帝王emperors through the ages
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters individually mean rulers. 帝 originally referred to the supreme deity or emperor in ancient China, while 王 meant king. Combined, they form a compound emphasizing imperial and royal authority across different historical periods.