陛下
bìxià
The Chinese word for "majesty" (as a term of address for royalty) is 陛下 (bìxià).
In historical Chinese contexts, 陛下 is the standard way to address a reigning monarch, such as an Emperor or Empress. This is distinct from the related term 威严, which refers to the quality of being impressive and great.
Meaning: term of address for royalty and imperiality (pron)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 陛下 literally means "below the throne".
Which one should you use?
陛下 is used for an Emperor or Empress (Majesty), while 殿下 is used for princes or princesses (Highness).
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
bìxià
Did you know?
- The distinction between 陛下 and 殿下 is so critical that in ancient bureaucracy, using the wrong one could be considered a capital offense.
- In modern Chinese historical dramas, you will often hear the Emperor refer to himself as 朕 ('zhèn'), a pronoun that was legally restricted to the monarch and would have been a crime for a commoner to use.
- The term 陛下 is an example of an avoidant address. Historically, speakers avoided addressing the Emperor directly, so they spoke to the 'steps' or the 'floor' beneath the throne instead.
Examples in context
- 尊敬的王妃殿下，您的出席是我们荣幸之至。Respected Princess, your presence honors us.
- 他那种严肃的面容和气势给人一种威严感。His solemn expression and imposing aura give off a sense of majesty.
- 佢好有威风Someone with a majestic appearance
- 陛下，请坐。Bìxià, qǐng zuò.Your Majesty, please be seated.
- 陛下，这是您的礼物。Bìxià, zhè shì nín de lǐwù.Your Majesty, this is your gift.
- 陛下，我们需要商量一下。Bìxià, wǒmen xūyào shāngliáng yīxià.Your Majesty, we need to discuss this.
Example conversation
Two actors are rehearsing a historical drama on a stage.
- 志强 Zhiqiang晓雯，你要称呼我为陛下。Xiǎowén, nǐ yào chēnghu wǒ wèi Bìxià.Xiaowen, you must address me as Your Majesty.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen好的，陛下，我会记着的。Hǎo de, Bìxià, wǒ huì jìzhē de.Alright, Your Majesty, I will remember that.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你的语气要更庄重一些。Nǐ de yǔqì yào gèng zhuāngzhòng yīxiē.Your tone should be more solemn.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen没问题，志强，我会努力的。Méi wèntí, Zhìqiáng, wǒ huì nǔlì de.No problem, Zhiqiang, I will try my best.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “majesty” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
