Meaning
This character refers to an emperor or supreme ruler, particularly in ancient Chinese dynasties. It can also refer to deities or gods in religious contexts. The character is one of the most important titles in Chinese imperial history, representing the highest earthly authority.
Usage
Primarily used in historical, literary, or formal contexts. In modern Chinese, it appears most commonly in compound words related to emperors, ancient history, or sometimes in brand names for a sense of prestige. Not used in everyday casual conversation except when discussing history.
Examples
- 01秦始皇是中国历史上第一位皇帝。.Qin Shi Huang was the first emperor in Chinese history.
- 02古代帝王的权力至高无上。.The power of ancient emperors was supreme and absolute.
Measure words
- 位一位帝王
Common collocations
- 皇帝emperor
- 上帝God, the Lord
- 帝王emperor and king, monarch
- 帝国empire
Antonyms
Origin
The original oracle bone form depicted a bundle of firewood tied together with a cord at the top and bottom, possibly representing order and binding authority. Over time it evolved to mean the supreme ruler who binds the nation together.