殿下
denka[dẽ̞ŋka̠]
In Japanese, "your highness" is translated as 殿下 (denka). If unsure, use 殿下. Wiktionary also lists 上様 (uesama).
Meaning: a title of respect used to address a prince or princess (pron)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 殿下 | denka | [dẽ̞ŋka̠] (narrow) |
| 上様 | uesama | [ɯ̟e̞sa̠ma̠] (narrow) [ɯ̟e̞za̠ma̠] (narrow) |
殿下 is a common way to say "Your Highness" and is used when addressing members of imperial families, royal figures or nobility. Another honorific term used to address someone of very high social status, such as a prince or a ruler, is お殿さま.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 殿下 is composed of the kanji 殿 (den), meaning 'palace' or 'audience hall' and 下 (ka), meaning 'under'.
Which one should you use?
While 殿下 is used for "Your Highness", the term 陛下 is used for "Your Majesty" to address an Emperor or King. Additionally, 上様 serves as an archaic way to address a high-ranking person or lord.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
殿下 is a formal term. 上様 is an archaic and obsolete honorific, most commonly seen in historical contexts like samurai-era dramas.
How do you pronounce it?
denka
Did you know?
- The term 殿下 literally describes the space 'under the palace', referring to the area where a subordinate would stand while addressing a royal.
- The phrase 殿下 originates from Literary Chinese 殿下, reflecting the deep historical influence of Chinese administrative language on the Japanese court.
- While 殿下 is used for royalty today, the archaic term 上様 is now primarily encountered by English speakers through 'jidaigeki' or samurai-era period dramas.
Examples in context
- 王子殿下Your Highness, the Prince
- 殿下、お元気ですか？Denka, ogenki desu ka?Your highness, are you well?
- 殿下がお戻りになります。Denka ga omodori ni narimasu.Your highness is returning.
- 殿下の命令に従います。Denka no meirei ni shitagaimasu.I will obey your highness's orders.
Example conversation
A formal scene in a palace where a guard informs a princess.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵殿下、お呼びでしょうか。Himari denka, oyobi deshou ka.Your highness Himari, were you calling for me?
- 陽葵 Himariええ、少し話があります。Ee, sukoshi hanashi ga arimasu.Yes, I have something to discuss.
- 陽太 Yota承知いたしました。Shouchi itashimashita.Understood.
- 陽葵 Himariでは、こちらへ。Dewa, kochira e.Then, this way.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “your highness” translations and entries 殿下, 上様, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 上様, 殿下, CC BY-SA 4.0.
