侯
侯·marquis, lord
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 諸侯 | しょこう | feudal lords |
| 侯爵 | こうしゃく | marquis |
| 王侯 | おうこう | kings and princes, nobility |
| 侯国 | こうこく | principality |
Example sentences
江戸時代の諸侯は参勤交代を義務づけられていた。
えどじだいのしょこうはさんきんこうたいをぎむづけられていた。
The feudal lords of the Edo period were obliged to take part in the alternate attendance system.
彼の祖父は侯爵の位を持っていた。
かれのそふはこうしゃくのくらいをもっていた。
His grandfather held the rank of marquis.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Writing 候 for 侯 (or the reverse) — the difference is a single stroke
- Confusing 侯爵 (marquis) with the homophone 公爵 (duke), both こうしゃく
Memory aid
Picture it
A person (亻) sheltering behind a screen with an arrow below — the noble who commands the archers.
Quick check
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What does the kanji 侯 mean?