1.
throne, the crown, kingship
The position or status of a king or monarch. Refers to the royal rank or sovereignty itself, not the physical chair. Used in historical, literary, and game contexts (such as shogi or chess titles).
王子が王位を継いだ。
The prince succeeded to the throne.
王は王位を退いて、息子に譲った。
The king abdicated the throne and yielded it to his son.
王位をめぐる争いは何世紀にもわたって続き、国を二分する内戦に発展した。
The struggle for the throne continued for centuries and developed into a civil war that divided the country in two.
USAGE:
Commonly appears in historical narratives, fantasy literature, and board game contexts. In shogi, 王位戦 is one of the eight major title matches.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 王位を継ぐ: succeed to the throne
- 王位に就く: ascend the throne
- 王位を譲る: abdicate / hand over the throne
- 王位継承: succession to the throne
- 王位争い: struggle for the throne