Meaning
皇帝 refers to an emperor, the supreme ruler of an imperial dynasty in Chinese history. It combines 皇 (august, sovereign) and 帝 (deity, supreme ruler) to denote the highest political authority who ruled by the Mandate of Heaven. This term was used throughout Chinese imperial history from 221 BCE until 1912.
Usage
This term is primarily used in historical contexts when discussing Chinese dynasties, such as the Qing, Ming, or Tang emperors. In modern conversation, it appears in historical discussions, period dramas, museums, and when teaching history. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who acts like an autocratic ruler.
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溥仪是清朝最后一个皇帝。.Puyi was the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty.
Characters
Measure words
- 位一位皇帝
- 个一个皇帝
Common collocations
- 皇帝陛下His/Her Imperial Majesty
- 开国皇帝founding emperor
- 末代皇帝last emperor
- 当皇帝to be emperor, to act like an emperor
Antonyms
Origin
The title 皇帝 was first adopted by Qin Shi Huang in 221 BCE, who combined 皇 (used for legendary sage-kings) and 帝 (used for divine rulers) to create a new title surpassing previous terms like 王 (king).