天皇陛下万歳
Tennōheika banzai
The English phrase "long live the emperor" is expressed in Japanese as 天皇陛下万歳 (Tennōheika banzai).
天皇陛下万歳 is a formal exclamation used to express profound loyalty and respect toward the Emperor, or to wish for the Emperor's long life.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Tennō (Emperor), heika (His Majesty) and banzai (ten thousand years). The word banzai literally means "ten thousand years", and is used here to wish for an eternal lifespan.
How do you pronounce it?
Tennōheika banzai
Did you know?
- During World War II, the phrase tennō heika banzai became associated with 'banzai charges', where soldiers would scream the phrase while charging enemy lines.
- While banzai is now a general cheer, it was historically a translation of the Chinese 'wansui', which was used exclusively for the emperor because only a divine ruler could be wished a life of 'ten thousand years'.
- In some contexts, shouting banzai is accompanied by raising both hands high into the air, a gesture of triumph or intense excitement.
Examples in context
- 天皇陛下万歳！Long live the Emperor!This example shows how to use 天皇陛下万歳 as an exclamation.Tatoeba #569242 by Scott, translation #569233 by Scott
- 人々が天皇陛下万歳と叫んだ。Hitobito ga Tenno Heika Banzai to sakenda.The people shouted, long live the emperor.
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are discussing a traditional ceremony.
- 美咲 Misakiこの儀式では、最後に何と言うの？kono gishiki deva, saigo ni nan to iu no?What do you say at the end of this ceremony?
- 健太 Kenta天皇陛下万歳と叫ぶのが一般的だよ。tennō heika banzai to sakebu no ga ippanteki da yo.It is common to shout long live the emperor.
- 美咲 Misakiなるほど、とても厳かな感じがするね。naruhodo, totemo ogonaka na kanji ga suru ne.I see, it feels very solemn.
- 健太 Kentaうん、とても大切な言葉なんだ。un, totemo taisetsu na kotoba nan da.Yes, it is a very important phrase.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
