Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a feudal lord is most commonly expressed as 大名 (daimyō), referring to powerful territorial lords during the Edo period. Other terms exist for different ranks and contexts, but 大名 is the standard word for English learners.
The most common and general term for a feudal lord in Japanese history, especially during the Edo period (1603–1868).
The standard term for a daimyo, a powerful feudal lord who ruled over a domain and served the shogun. This is the most common word for 'feudal lord' in Japanese.
During the Edo period, there were about 260 feudal lords.
His ancestor was a feudal lord.
Terms for feudal lords in earlier periods or in a more general sense, not limited to the Edo period.
A more generic term for a feudal lord or landowner, used across different periods. It emphasizes the lord's control over a territory.
Medieval feudal lords lived in castles.
A term for feudal lords or princes, often used in historical or literary contexts. It can refer to multiple lords collectively.
When referring specifically to a feudal lord in a European context, different terms are used.
The term 'feudal lord' is historical. In modern Japanese, there is no direct equivalent for a contemporary figure. Using 大名 or 領主 to refer to a modern person would sound strange or metaphorical.
大名 specifically refers to the Edo-period lords under the shogunate, while 領主 is a broader term for any territorial lord throughout Japanese history. For European feudalism, 封建領主 is the most precise.
The feudal lords pledged loyalty to the shogun.
Medieval European lords ruled over peasants.