Meaning
国王 literally means 'country king' and refers to a male monarch who rules a kingdom. It is the standard Mandarin term for kings in both historical and contemporary contexts, used when discussing European monarchies, fairy tales, or ancient Chinese vassal states.
Usage
This word is commonly used in translated literature, historical texts, and when discussing foreign monarchies. In traditional Chinese history, 皇帝 (huángdì, emperor) was more common for Chinese rulers, while 国王 was used for kings of smaller vassal states or foreign kingdoms. The term carries a formal register and appears frequently in children's stories and historical discussions.
Examples
- 01从前有一位国王住在城堡里。.Once upon a time, there was a king who lived in a castle.
- 02英国国王查尔斯三世继承了王位。.King Charles III of the United Kingdom inherited the throne.
Characters
Measure words
- 位一位国王
- 个一个国王
Common collocations
- 国王陛下Your Majesty (addressing a king)
- 英国国王King of England
- 童话国王fairy tale king
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines 国 (country) and 王 (king). 王 is an ancient character depicting an axe or weapon, symbolizing authority. Together they emphasize rulership over a nation-state, distinguishing from 皇帝 which implies imperial authority over multiple kingdoms.