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上皇陛下 (じょうこうへいか) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

上じょう皇こう陛へい下か

Meanings

1

noun

retired emperor; emperor emeritus

honorific or respectful (sonkeigo)

Honorific title used for a former emperor, especially after abdication. Equivalent to 'His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus'.

See also: 上皇

上じょう皇こう陛へい下かは、2019年ねんに退たい位いされた。
His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus abdicated in 2019.
上じょう皇こう陛へい下かのご健けん康こうを心しん配ぱいする声こえが上あがっている。
There are voices expressing concern about the health of the Emperor Emeritus.

Kanji

上above, up
皇emperor
陛highness, steps (of throne)
下

below, down, descend

Similar words

上じょう皇こう
上皇 is a more general term for a retired emperor, while 上皇陛下 is the honorific title used when addressing or referring to him respectfully.
天皇てんのう陛へい下か
天皇陛下 refers to the reigning emperor, whereas 上皇陛下 refers to the retired emperor.

Etymology

Compound of 上皇 (retired emperor) and 陛下 (Your/His Majesty).