1.
crown prince; heir to the throne
The son of an emperor or king who is next in line to inherit the throne. In Japan, this title refers specifically to the heir apparent of the Emperor.
皇太子がご成婚された。
The Crown Prince got married.
皇太子殿下が式典に出席された。
His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince attended the ceremony.
皇太子は即位して新しい天皇になった。
The Crown Prince ascended the throne and became the new Emperor.
USAGE:
In Japan, 皇太子 is a formal title with deep cultural significance. The Crown Prince is addressed as 皇太子殿下 (His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince). The female equivalent is 皇太子妃 (Crown Princess).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 皇太子殿下 (His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince)
- 皇太子妃 (Crown Princess)
- 皇太子ご夫妻 (the Crown Prince and Princess)