君主制
kunshusei[kɯ̟̃ɰ̃ɕɨse̞ː]
The English word "monarchy" is translated into Japanese as 君主制 (kunshusei).
君主制 refers to a form of government with a hereditary head of state.
Meaning: form of government with a hereditary head of state (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the term as an adjective meaning "monarchical" or "of a monarchy", add the particle の to the noun to form 君主制の.
How do you pronounce it?
kunshusei
Did you know?
- Japan is the only country in the world that maintains a 君主制 with a lineage claimed to be the oldest continuous hereditary monarchy in history.
- While 君主制 describes the system, the Japanese Emperor is referred to as 天皇, which literally means 'Heavenly Sovereign'.
- The component 主 (shu) in 君主制 means 'lord' or 'master', and it is the same character found in the word for 'owner' of a shop or a 'host' of an event.
Examples in context
- その国は君主制を採用しています。Sono kuni wa kunshusei o saiyo shite imasu.That country adopts a monarchy.
- 君主制の歴史は非常に長いです。Kunshusei no rekishi wa hijō ni nagai desu.The history of the monarchy is very long.
- 多くの国が君主制を維持しています。Ōku no kuni ga kunshusei o iji shite imasu.Many countries maintain a monarchy.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing world history in a cafe.
- 結衣 Yui君主制の仕組みは難しいですね。Kunshusei no shikumi wa muzukashii desu ne.The system of a monarchy is difficult, isn't it?
- 健太 Kentaそうですね、歴史を学ぶ必要があります。Sō desu ne, rekishi o manabu hitsuyō ga arimasu.True, we need to study history.
- 結衣 Yui健太さんは歴史が好きですか？Kenta-san wa rekishi ga suki desu ka?Kenta, do you like history?
- 健太 Kentaはい、とても興味があります。Hai, totemo kyōmi ga arimasu.Yes, I am very interested in it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “monarchy” translations and entries 君主制, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 君主制, CC BY-SA 4.0.
