Usage patterns 〈 人ひと 〉 が 陛へい 下か に 拝はい 謁えつ する to have an audience with His/Her Majesty
The ambassador had the opportunity to have an audience with His Majesty.
陛へい 下か を 迎むか える to welcome/receive His or Her Majesty
The people gave His Majesty a grand welcome.
陛へい 下か がご 訪ほう 問もん なさる His/Her Majesty pays a visit
His Majesty visited the disaster-stricken area.
Kanji 陛 highness, steps (of throne) Related words 陛下 is the modern honorific title for a reigning emperor or monarch, while 尊 （みこと ） is an archaic suffix attached to the names of gods or ancient nobles in mythological texts.
陛下 is a general respectful title usable for any monarch, while 天皇陛下 specifically names the Emperor.
Don't confuse with 陛下 addresses the reigning emperor or monarch, while 殿下 is used for princes, princesses, and other non-reigning royals.
陛下 is reserved for a reigning monarch, whereas 閣下 is an honorific used for high government officials, generals, or ambassadors.
陛下 is reserved for the Emperor and Empress, while 妃殿下 is used for princesses; both end in the honorific suffix 下 but mark different ranks within the imperial family.
Word family His Majesty the Emperor; the Emperor
Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress
retired emperor; emperor emeritus
retired empress; empress emerita
Written forms 陛へい 下か Usage 100%
Standard kanji spelling for addressing or referring to an emperor, empress, king, or queen.
ヘイカ Usage <1%
Etymology From Chinese 陛下 (bìxià), originally meaning 'below the steps' (of the throne), used as an indirect respectful address for the emperor.
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