百獣(ひゃくじゅう)の王(おう)

ひゃくじゅうのおう
expression, noun
king of beasts
animal-mammalexpression
1. king of beasts; king of the jungle
An epithet for the lion, referring to its status as the most powerful and majestic of all animals. Also used figuratively to describe someone who dominates their field.
ライオンは百獣(ひゃくじゅう)の王(おう)と呼(よ)ばれている。
The lion is called the king of beasts.
百獣(ひゃくじゅう)の王(おう)であるライオンも、子(こ)どものころは無力(むりょく)だ。
Even the lion, king of beasts, is helpless when young.
彼(かれ)はその業界(ぎょうかい)で百獣(ひゃくじゅう)の王(おう)のような存在(そんざい)だ。
He is like the king of beasts in that industry.

百獣(ひゃくじゅう)の王(おう) is a set expression meaning "king of beasts," referring to the lion. 百獣(ひゃくじゅう) literally means "a hundred beasts" (= all animals).

Common patterns

Usage

Used metaphorically for someone who dominates their field or commands respect and authority, similar to English "king of the jungle."

Cultural note

Well known in Japan through nature documentaries and the classic TV program '野生(やせい)の王国(おうこく).' Also appears frequently in manga and anime as a character archetype.

Register

Literary/dramatic. Used for effect rather than in everyday conversation.

general
Added 2026.3.20 15:49 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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