皇族
kōzoku[ko̞ːzo̞kɯ̟]
The English phrase 'royalty' can be translated into Japanese as 皇族 (kōzoku) or 王族.
Meaning: monarch and their families treated as a group (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 皇族 | kōzoku | [ko̞ːzo̞kɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 王族 | ōzoku |
Both terms refer to a monarch and their families treated as a group.
What does it mean word for word?
皇族 (kōzoku) is composed of 皇 (emperor) and 族 (family/tribe/clan). 王族 (ōzoku) is composed of 王 (king) and 族 (family/tribe/clan).
Which one should you use?
Use 皇族 specifically when referring to the Japanese Imperial Family. Use 王族 when referring to the royalty of other nations, such as the British Royal Family.
How do you pronounce it?
kōzoku
Did you know?
- The concept of the 皇族 is linked to the legend of Amaterasu, the sun goddess, making the Japanese monarchy the oldest continuous hereditary monarchy in the world.
- Until 1947, the 皇族 included several 'collateral' branches of the family, but a post-war law stripped these branches of their royal status to reduce costs.
- In many Japanese media contexts, the term ロイヤル (roiyaru) is used as a loanword to add a Western, glamorous flair to descriptions of European royalty.
Examples in context
- 日本の王族は尊敬されています。The Japanese royal family is respected.
- ヨーロッパには多くの王侯が存在しました。There were many Kings and nobles in Europe.
- 昔々、ある所に王様がいました。Once upon a time, there was a king.
- 彼女はロイヤルファミリーの出身です。She is from a royal family.
- 王族は歴史的に重要な存在です。The royal family is historically significant.
- 皇族の行事に参加します。Kōzoku no gyōji ni sanka shimasu.I will participate in a royal event.
- 彼は皇族の血を引いています。Kare wa kōzoku no chi o hiite imasu.He carries the blood of royalty.
Example conversation
Ren and Misaki are discussing a news program about the imperial family.
- 蓮 Ren皇族のニュースを見ていました。Kōzoku no nyūsu o mite imashita.I was watching news about the royalty.
- 美咲 Misakiどんな内容でしたか？Donna naiyō deshita ka?What was it about?
- 蓮 Ren皇族の新しい活動についてです。Kōzoku no atarashii katsudō ni tsuite desu.It was about the new activities of the royalty.
- 美咲 Misakiそれは興味深いですね。Sore wa kyōmibukai desu ne.That is interesting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “royalty” translations and entries 皇族, 王族, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
