貴公(きこう)

きこう
pronoun
(archaic/literary) you
formalperson
1. (archaic/literary) you; a formal and respectful second-person pronoun used between men of equal or similar rank
An old word for "you" once used by samurai-class men toward men of similar rank; today it appears only in historical dramas, novels and games.
貴公(きこう)の意見(いけん)を聞(き)きたい。
I would like to hear your opinion.
貴公(きこう)もそう思(おも)うか。
Do you think so too?
貴公(きこう)の武勇(ぶゆう)は遠(とお)くまで聞(き)こえておる。
Your valor is known far and wide.

A formal second-person pronoun from the samurai class, composed of 貴(き) (noble/precious) and 公(こう) (lord/public). Used between men of similar social standing. Unlike the modern hostile connotation of 貴様(きさま), 貴公(きこう) retains its polite, respectful nuance.

Usage

Not used in modern everyday conversation. Encountered in:

  • Historical fiction and period dramas (時代劇(じだいげき))
  • Fantasy novels and games with a feudal setting
  • Anime and manga featuring samurai or noble characters

Similar words

  • 貴殿(きでん) — you (formal, used in official correspondence; still sometimes used in business letters)
  • 貴様(きさま) — you (originally respectful like 貴公(きこう), but now hostile/insulting)
  • 其方(そなた) — you (archaic, used by a superior to an inferior)
  • 御主(おぬし) — you (archaic/literary, samurai register)

Related Words

Compare: 貴殿(きでん) (you (formal, used in official…)
Compare: 貴様(きさま) (you)
general
Added 2026.4.21 1:22 · Revised 2026.10.3 3:19
24500/24801_kikou