侯爵
kōshaku
The English phrase marquis is translated into Japanese as 侯爵 (kōshaku).
侯爵 refers to a nobleman of high rank, positioned below a duke and above an earl.
How do you pronounce it?
kōshaku
Did you know?
- The character 爵 used in 侯爵 refers specifically to a type of ancient ritual wine vessel used by nobility.
- The title 侯爵 is part of a system called 華族 (Kazoku), a peerage structure created during the Meiji Restoration to mimic European nobility.
- The term 侯爵 traces its roots back to the Zhou dynasty in China, where it represented one of the 'Five Ranks' of nobility.
Examples in context
- 彼は侯爵の家系に生まれました。Kare wa koushaku no kakei ni umaremashita.He was born into a family of marquises.
- その侯爵はとても裕福でした。Sono koushaku wa totemo yuufuku deshita.That marquis was very wealthy.
- 物語には侯爵が登場します。Monogatari ni wa koushaku ga toujou shimasu.A marquis appears in the story.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a historical novel they are reading.
- 美咲 Misakiこの小説の主人公は侯爵なの？Kono shousetsu no shujinkou wa koushaku nano?Is the protagonist of this novel a marquis?
- 蓮 Renうん、とても高貴な身分だよ。Un, totemo kouki na mibun dayo.Yes, he is of very high rank.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮くんは歴史の知識がすごいね。Ren-kun wa rekishi no chishiki ga sugoi ne.Ren, you have amazing historical knowledge.
- 蓮 Renそんなことないよ。Sonna koto nai yo.That's not true.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 侯爵, CC BY-SA 4.0.
