How to Say "Your Majesty" in Japanese

陛下

heika[he̞ːka̠]

The Japanese phrase for "your majesty" is 陛下, pronounced heika.

陛下 is the specific term used when addressing or referring to an Emperor or an Empress.

Meaning: term of address (name)

Which one should you use?

While 陛下 is used for an Emperor or Empress (Your Majesty), 殿下 is used for princes or other high-ranking royalty (Your Highness).

In Japanese, 陛下 functions as a title of address and can also be used as a noun to refer to the monarch in the third person.

heika

The word 陛下 literally describes the space 'below the stairs'. This reflects an ancient custom where speakers were not allowed to address the Emperor directly and instead spoke toward the steps leading to the throne.
The term 陛下 originates from Middle Chinese.
The level of respect embedded in 陛下 is so deep that it is rarely used in daily conversation, even when jokingly referring to someone as 'king' of a group.

陛下、お戯れを。
Heika, o-tawure o.
Your majesty, please stop playing around.
陛下、お体をお大事になさってください。
Heika, o-karada o odaiji ni nasatte kudasai.
Your majesty, please take care of your health.
陛下のご命令に従います。
Heika no gomeirei ni shitagaimasu.
I will obey your majesty's command.

Two actors are practicing a play about a royal court.

陽葵 Himari

陛下、新しいドレスをご用意しました。
Heika, atarashii doresu o goyoui shimashita.
Your Majesty, I have prepared a new dress.
健太 Kenta

ありがとう。見せてくれ。
Arigatou. Misete kure.
Thank you. Let me see it.
陽葵 Himari

とてもお似合いになると思います。
Totemo oniai ni naru to omoimasu.
I think it will suit you very well.
健太 Kenta

陽葵、今のセリフは完璧だったぞ。
Himari, ima no serifu wa kanpeki datta zo.
Himari, that line just now was perfect.

Sources

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