Japanese word

御所

Pronunciation

Romajigosho

Meaning

  • nounimperial palace

Example

京都の御所を見学します。kyō to no go sho o ken gaku shi ma su

I will visit the Imperial Palace in Kyoto.

Illustration for 御所 (imperial palace)

More examples

春には御所の庭が一般公開されます。haru ni wa go sho no niwa ga ip pan kō kai sa re ma su

The garden of the Imperial Palace is open to the public in spring.

Core concept

Refers to a dignified palace or residence associated with Japan's imperial household.

Common phrases

  • 御所を訪れるgo sho o otozu re ru

    visit the imperial palace

  • 御所の庭go sho no niwa

    garden of the imperial palace

  • 御所の門go sho no mon

    gate of the imperial palace

Similar words

皇居kōkyo: The official residence of the Emperor of Japan.

Definition in Japanese

天皇の宮殿、または皇族の住居を敬っていう語。tennō no kyū den ma ta wa kō zoku no jū kyo o uyama tte i u go

Word origin

御 (go, "honorific") and 所 (sho, "place") combine to mean a place treated with respect because of its imperial association.

Usage tips

  • The name 京都御所 (Kyōto Gosho) corresponds to Kyoto Imperial Palace in English and is often used when discussing Kyoto's historic sites.

Other meanings

  • imperial residencenoun

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