皇帝
kōtei[ko̞ːte̞ː]
The English phrase "emperors" is translated into Japanese as 皇帝 (kōtei).
The term 皇帝 is used to refer to the rulers of an empire. In a broader sense, the kanji 帝 can be used to translate to "emperor" or "sovereign".
Which one should you use?
There is a distinct difference between terms used for different contexts. While 皇帝 is a general term for an emperor of any empire, 天皇 is the specific title used for the Emperor of Japan. Additionally, the kanji 帝 can function as a stand-alone reference to an emperor or sovereign.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural "emperors" from the singular 皇帝, you can add the suffix たち to create 皇帝たち.
How do you pronounce it?
kōtei
Did you know?
- The Japanese Emperor's specific title, 天皇, is composed of kanji that can be read as 'heavenly radiance'. This distinguishes the Japanese position as something divine rather than just a political office like a typical 皇帝.
- Ancient Chinese mythology speaks of the 三皇五帝, or the 'Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors'. These legendary figures are credited with teaching early humanity essential skills like farming and writing.
- In Japanese history, the title 皇帝 was briefly used by figures who attempted to establish their own empires, but the term carries a connotation of 'absolute power' that differs from the more spiritual nature of the 天皇.
Examples in context
- 天皇陛下His Imperial Majesty
- かつて、多くの皇帝がこの地を支配していました。Katsute, ooku no koutei ga kono chi o shihai shite imashita.In the past, many emperors ruled this land.
- 歴史の授業で皇帝について学びました。Rekishi no jugyou de koutei ni tsuite manabimashita.I learned about emperors in history class.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a historical movie at a cafe.
- 美咲 Misakiあの映画に出てくる皇帝は、とても強そうだったね。Ano eiga ni detekuru koutei wa, totemo tsuyosou datta ne.The emperor in that movie looked very strong, didn't he?
- 健太 Kentaそうだね。歴史上の皇帝は、本当に恐ろしかったんだろうね。Sou dane. Rekishijou no koutei wa, hontou ni osoroshikatta ndarou ne.That's true. The emperors in history must have been truly terrifying.
- 美咲 Misaki健太君は、皇帝の生活に興味があるの？Kenta-kun wa, koutei no seikatsu ni kyoumi ga aru no?Kenta, are you interested in the life of an emperor?
- 健太 Kentaうん、華やかな生活にとても惹かれるよ。Un, hanayaka na seikatsu ni totemo hikareru yo.Yeah, I am very attracted to that glamorous lifestyle.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 皇帝, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 皇帝, CC BY-SA 4.0.
