1.
imperial throne; the position of emperor
The status or position of the emperor. Used in discussions of succession, abdication, and the institution of the Japanese monarchy.
皇位を継承する。
Succeed to the imperial throne.
2019年に皇位継承が行われた。
The imperial succession took place in 2019.
上皇は皇位を退かれ、新しい天皇が即位された。
The Emperor Emeritus abdicated, and the new Emperor ascended the throne.
USAGE NOTES:
皇位 is composed of 皇 (emperor, imperial) and 位 (position, rank). It refers specifically to the position of the Japanese Emperor (天皇).
Note: Do not confuse with the homophones 好意 (goodwill, kindness) or 行為 (act, deed).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 皇位継承 (imperial succession)
- 皇位に就く (ascend to the throne)
- 皇位を退く (abdicate)
- 皇位継承順位 (order of succession to the throne)
CULTURAL NOTE:
In 2019, Emperor Akihito (上皇明仁) abdicated — the first such abdication in over 200 years — and Emperor Naruhito (今上天皇徳仁) ascended the 皇位, beginning the Reiwa era.