后
后·empress
- On-yomi
- コウ
- Kun-yomi
- none
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 皇后 | こうごう | empress |
| 皇太后 | こうたいごう | empress dowager |
| 皇后陛下 | こうごうへいか | Her Majesty the Empress |
| 皇后様 | こうごうさま | the Empress (polite) |
Example sentences
皇后陛下が式典に出席された。
こうごうへいかがしきてんにしゅっせきされた。
Her Majesty the Empress attended the ceremony.
皇太后は長く国民に親しまれた。
こうたいごうはながくこくみんにしたしまれた。
The empress dowager was beloved by the people for many years.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Reading 皇后 as こうこう — it takes rendaku: こうごう
- Writing 司 in place of 后
Memory aid
Picture it
Think of 司 (to preside) turned around: the figure who presides at the emperor's side rather than in his place — the empress.
Quick check
1 / 2Multiple choiceDifficulty 4 of 5
What does the kanji 后 mean?