noun HSK 5
jūn wáng
monarch · sovereign · king

Meaning

君王 refers to a monarch or sovereign ruler, typically a king or emperor in ancient times. It is a somewhat formal or literary term that evokes traditional Chinese imperial governance. The word combines two characters that both mean 'ruler,' emphasizing the supreme authority of the person.

Usage

This term is primarily used in historical, literary, or formal contexts when discussing ancient dynasties, classical literature, or traditional governance. Modern Chinese typically uses 国王 for contemporary kings. 君王 carries a classical, dignified tone and appears frequently in poetry, historical texts, and period dramas.

Examples

  1. 01
    这位君王统治国家长达五十年。
    Zhè wèi jūn wáng tǒng zhì guó jiā cháng shí nián.
    This monarch ruled the country for as long as fifty years.
  2. 02
    古代的君王拥有至高无上的权力。
    dài de jūn wáng yōng yǒu zhì gāo shàng de quán .
    Ancient monarchs possessed supreme power.

Characters

Measure words

  • wèi一位君王

Common collocations

  • 明君
    míng jūn
    wise ruler
  • 昏君
    hūn jūn
    foolish ruler, tyrant
  • 一代君王
    dài jūn wáng
    a generation's monarch

Antonyms

Origin

Both characters originally referred to rulers in ancient China. 君 depicted a hand holding a staff, symbolizing authority, while 王 showed three horizontal lines connected by a vertical line, representing heaven, earth, and humanity united under one ruler.

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