(こうい)

こうい
noun
imperial throne; the position of emperor
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(こうい)継承(けいしょう)する。
Succeed to the imperial throne.
2019(ねん)皇位(こうい)継承(けいしょう)(おこな)われた。
The imperial succession took place in 2019.
上皇(じょうこう)皇位(こうい)退(しりぞ)かれ、(あたら)しい天皇(てんのう)即位(そくい)された。
The Emperor Emeritus abdicated, and the new Emperor ascended the throne.

USAGE NOTES:
皇位(こうい) is composed of (こう) (emperor, imperial) and () (position, rank). It refers specifically to the position of the Japanese Emperor (天皇(てんのう)).

Note: Do not confuse with the homophones 好意(こうい) (goodwill, kindness) or 行為(こうい) (act, deed).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 皇位(こうい)継承(けいしょう) (imperial succession)
  • 皇位(こうい)()く (ascend to the throne)
  • 皇位(こうい)退(しりぞ)く (abdicate)
  • 皇位(こうい)継承(けいしょう)順位(じゅんい) (order of succession to the throne)

CULTURAL NOTE:
In 2019, Emperor Akihito (上皇(じょうこう)明仁) abdicated — the first such abdication in over 200 years — and Emperor Naruhito (今上天皇(きんじょうてんのう)徳仁) ascended the 皇位(こうい), beginning the Reiwa era.