also: せんのう
noun
previous king; late king
Refers to a king who reigned before the current one, often implying the king is deceased. Used in historical or monarchical contexts.
先王の時代には、この国は繁栄していた。
During the reign of the previous king, this country prospered.
先王の遺志を継いで、新た
Following the late king's will, we will undertake new reforms.
noun
ancient virtuous king
Rare, historical reference to a wise and virtuous ruler from ancient times, often in Chinese-influenced contexts. Not used for modern monarchs.
古典には、先王の徳を称える記述が多く見られる。
In classical texts, there are many descriptions praising the virtues of ancient kings.
Compound of 先 (previous, former) and 王 (king). The reading せんおう is the standard on'yomi combination; せんのう is a less common variant.