わが君
waga kimi
The English phrase "my lord" is translated into Japanese as わが君 (waga kimi).
わが君 is used to express absolute loyalty to a superior or a ruler, often seen in the context of a vassal addressing a feudal lord.
Meaning: address towards a lord (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 'waga' (my/our) and 'kimi' (lord/sovereign/you).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
わが君 is archaic and is primarily used in historical fiction, literature or period dramas rather than modern daily conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
waga kimi
Did you know?
- In ancient Japanese poetry, 君 was often used as a romantic term of endearment for a lover, not just a political ruler.
- The word 君 is now used as a masculine honorific suffix, such as in 'Tanaka-kun', though it was originally a title for royalty.
- If you used わが君 in a modern Japanese business setting, people would assume you are role-playing a character from a samurai drama.
Examples in context
- わが君、どうかお助けください。Waga kimi, douka otasuke kudasai.My lord, please help me.
Example conversation
A loyal servant greets her master in a historical setting.
- 結衣 Yuiわが君、お疲れ様でございます。Waga kimi, otsukaresama de gozaimasu.My lord, you must be tired.
- 蓮 Renああ、ひどく疲れたよ。Aa, hidoku tsukareta yo.Yes, I am exhausted.
- 結衣 Yuiお茶をご用意いたしました。Ocha o goyoui itashimashita.I have prepared some tea for you.
- 蓮 Renありがとう、結衣。Arigatou, Yui.Thank you, Yui.
