1.
duchess; wife of a duke
The wife of a duke, or a woman who holds the rank of duke in her own right. The highest female title in the European peerage system below royalty.
公爵夫人が挨拶をした。
The duchess gave a greeting.
公爵夫人は慈善活動で知られている。
The duchess is known for her charitable activities.
小説の主人公は若い公爵夫人で、社交界での陰謀に巻き込まれていく。
The novel's protagonist is a young duchess who becomes entangled in the intrigues of high society.
Composed of 公爵 (duke) and 夫人 (wife, lady). This title belongs to the European peerage system and is encountered primarily in historical contexts, novels, and news about European aristocracy. Japan had its own 公爵 rank in the 華族 (nobility) system from 1884 to 1947.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 公爵夫人の称号: the title of duchess
- 公爵夫人として知られる: known as a duchess
- 公爵夫人の肖像画: portrait of a duchess
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 公爵: duke — the male title
- 侯爵夫人: marchioness — wife of a marquis; note same reading こうしゃくふじん but written with 侯
- 伯爵夫人: countess — wife of a count/earl