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.
ライオンは百獣の王と呼ばれている。
The lion is called the king of beasts.
百獣の王であるライオンも、子どものころは無力だ。
Even the lion, king of beasts, is helpless when young.
彼はその業界で百獣の王のような存在だ。
He is like the king of beasts in that industry.
百獣の王 is a set expression meaning "king of beasts," referring to the lion. 百獣 literally means "a hundred beasts" (= all animals).
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 百獣の王と呼ばれる: to be called the king of beasts
- 百獣の王のような存在: a presence like the king of beasts
FIGURATIVE USE:
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 '野生の王国.' Also appears frequently in manga and anime as a character archetype.
REGISTER:
Literary/dramatic. Used for effect rather than in everyday conversation.