Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 国王 | kokuō | [ko̞kɯ̟o̞ː] (narrow) |
| 王様 | ōsama | [o̞ːsa̠ma̠] (narrow) |
| 王 | ō | [o̞ː] (narrow) [ko̞ɲ̟ikʲiɕi] (narrow) [ko̞ɲ̟iɕi] (narrow) |
| 大君 | ōkimi | [o̞ːkʲimʲi] (narrow) [o̞ːɡʲimʲi] (narrow) [o̞ːiɡʲimʲi] (narrow) [ta̠ikɯ̟̃ɴ] (narrow) |
The term 王 (ō) is frequently used in titles, games like chess or in metaphorical expressions, such as describing the "king of beasts." The term 国王 (kokuō) refers specifically to a monarch who rules a nation, while 王様 (ōsama) is the version used in storytelling or more casual contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 国王 (kokuō) is a combination of 国 (nation) and 王 (king), literally meaning "king of a nation."
Which one should you use?
国王 (kokuō) is the formal, political term for a reigning monarch. In contrast, 王様 (ōsama) is more colloquial or suited for fairy tales and stories. 王 (ō) is a more concise form often used for titles or metaphors.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the word 王様 (ōsama), the suffix -sama is added to show high respect or to personify the character, which is common when addressing a king directly within a story.
How do you pronounce it?
ō
Did you know?
- The term 大君 (ōkimi) uses a grammatical phenomenon called 'rendaku', where the second word 'kimi' transforms into 'gimi' to make the phrase easier to pronounce.
- While 王 (ō) means 'king' in Japanese, the same character in modern Mandarin Chinese is used to describe a 'god' or 'divinity' in the form 大君 (dàjūn).
- In Japanese culture, the suffix -sama in 王様 (ōsama) is so powerful that it can be used to refer to objects or animals that are treated as if they were royalty.
Examples in context
- 王様は裸だ！The king is naked!This sentence uses 王様 to express a dramatic statement about a king.Tatoeba #2686997 by tommy_san, translation #2627012 by AlanF_US
- 鷲は鳥の王だ。The eagle is king of birds.This sentence uses 王 to describe a metaphorical king of birds.Tatoeba #191977 by KK_kaku_, translation #29139 by slyfin
- 王は処刑された。The king was executed.This sentence uses 王 to describe a historical or political event.Tatoeba #188493 by small_snow, translation #25637 by CK
- 国王 （ こくおう ）の御即位が祝われました。The king's enthronement was celebrated.
- 彼はまさに 帝王 （ ていおう ）の風格を持っている。He truly possesses the dignity of an emperor.
- 昨日、公園で子供たちが 王様 （ おうさま ）ごっこをしていました。Yesterday, children were playing pretend king in the park.
- 65 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A boy and a girl are looking at a fantasy novel.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの物語の王は、とても強い。Kono monogatari no ou wa, totemo tsuyoi.The king in this story is very strong.
- 美咲 Misaki本当ね。かっこいいわ。Hontou ne. Kakkoii wa.That's true. He is cool.
- 大翔 Hiroto彼は伝説の王なんだ。Kare wa densetsu no ou nan da.He is a legendary king.
- 美咲 Misaki続きが気になるわ。Tsuzuki ga ki ni naru wa.I'm curious about what happens next.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “king” translations and entries 国王, 王様, 王, 大君, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 大君, 王, 王様, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
