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玉体 (gyokutai) Japanese meaning: the Emperor's person | Kotomora

玉ぎょく体たい

ぎょ

く

た

い

Meanings

1

the Emperor's person; His Majesty's presence

Honorific term used exclusively for the Emperor's physical person or presence. Highly formal and respectful; not used for ordinary people.

玉ぎょく体たいを案あんじて、臣しん下かたちは深ふかく憂ゆう慮りょした。
The retainers were deeply concerned about the Emperor's health.

Kanji

玉jewel, ball
体body, substance, object

Related words

天皇てんのう
天皇 is the standard word for 'Emperor', while 玉体 specifically refers to the Emperor's physical body or presence in a highly respectful manner.
陛へい下か
陛下 is a common honorific title for addressing or referring to the Emperor, whereas 玉体 is a more formal and indirect term focusing on the Emperor's person.

Etymology

Composed of 玉 (ぎょく, 'jewel', a prefix of respect) and 体 (たい, 'body'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term has long been used in formal contexts to refer to the Emperor's person.

玉ぎょく体たいの御ご安あん泰たいを祈き念ねん申もうし上あげます。

I humbly pray for the continued good health of His Majesty.