Japanese word

皇太子

Pronunciation

Romajikōtaishi

Meaning

  • nouncrown prince

Example

皇太子が新しい学校を訪れました。kō tai shi ga atara shi i gak kō o otozu re ma shi ta

The crown prince visited a new school.

Illustration for 皇太子 (crown prince)

More examples

式典で皇太子が学生に祝辞を述べました。shiki ten de kō tai shi ga gaku sei ni shuku ji o no be ma shi ta

At the ceremony, the crown prince gave congratulatory remarks to the students.

Core concept

Names the imperial heir whose position links the current ruler with the next generation of the monarchy.

Common phrases

  • 皇太子を迎えるkō tai shi o muka e ru

    welcome the crown prince

  • 皇太子に会うkō tai shi ni a u

    meet the crown prince

Similar words

皇嗣kōshi: The designated heir to an emperor's throne, whether or not a crown prince title is used.
皇位継承者kōikeishōsha: A person designated to inherit the imperial throne.

Definition in Japanese

皇位を継ぐ者として定められた天皇の子。kō i o tsu gu mono to shi te sada me ra re ta tennō no ko

Word origin

皇太子 (kōtaishi) combines 皇 (kō, "emperor") and 太子 (taishi, "eldest son and heir") to form a title for the emperor's designated successor.

Usage tips

  • In English, crown prince usually means the male heir to a throne, but the title does not necessarily identify the monarch's oldest child.

Word lists with this word