Freq. Frequency Top 100,000 Kanji 台 pedestal, a stand, counter for machines and vehicles Related words 閣かっ 下か 閣下 is a more general honorific for high officials (e.g., ministers, judges), while 台下 is specifically used for certain high-ranking officials like ministers or ambassadors.
陛へい 下か 陛下 is reserved for the Emperor or Empress, whereas 台下 is used for lower-ranking dignitaries.
Etymology Compound of 台 (dai, 'platform' or 'high seat') and 下 (ka, 'below'), originally referring to the area below a high seat where a superior sits, and by extension a respectful way to refer to the person themselves.
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