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March 24, 2026
国王(國王)guówáng(guo2wang2)
The term '国王' (guó wáng) translates to 'king' in English and refers to the male ruler of a nation or kingdom. It is commonly used in historical contexts, fairy tales, and discussions about monarchy, embodying authority and governance.
Frequency#1530DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of kingship is deeply tied to the historical dynasties that ruled China. Understanding the role of '国王' can provide insights into traditional Chinese governance and the importance of family lineage.
Memory Tip
Imagine a grand palace where a '国' (guó) – nation – is ruled by a '王' (wáng) – king. Visualize a crown placed atop a map of China, representing the king's domain. This imagery links the components to the meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 国王
guówáng(guo2wang2)
1king
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 国王
国王Simplified
國王Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1530Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 国王
Podcast: 国王
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AI Study Notes for 国王
Quick Contrast
帝王 (dìwáng) vs 国王 (guówáng): '帝王' refers to an emperor, typically implying a higher rank than a king; '国王' specifically denotes a king within a nation.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a grand palace where a '国' (guó) – nation – is ruled by a '王' (wáng) – king. Visualize a crown placed atop a map of China, representing the king's domain. This imagery links the components to the meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Be aware that '国王' specifically refers to a male king; using it for a queen would be incorrect. In formal settings, '国王' is appropriate, while in casual conversations, simpler terms might be used. Remember to pronounce the tones correctly: guó (2nd tone) and wáng (2nd tone).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, '国王' connects with other terms related to governance and authority, such as '国家' (nation) and '政府' (government). Focus on the context in which you use this word and practice it in sentences discussing leadership.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of kingship is deeply tied to the historical dynasties that ruled China. Understanding the role of '国王' can provide insights into traditional Chinese governance and the importance of family lineage.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '国王' with '王国' (wángguó), which means 'kingdom.' For example, saying '我想成为一个国王' (I want to become a kingdom) is incorrect; the correct phrase is '我想成为一个国王' (I want to become a king).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 国王
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Grammar Patterns of 国王
国王 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
____只不过是给了这些政客自缚的绳子。
The King has merely given the politicians enough rope to hang themselves.
Example Sentences for 国王 (10)
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1
国王只不过是给了这些政客自缚的绳子。
guó wáng zhī bù guò shì gěi le zhè xiē zhèng kè zì fù de shéng zǐ。
The King has merely given the politicians enough rope to hang themselves.
The king could not enact laws without the sanction of Parliament.
8
国王对儿子们的纵容令商界恼火。
guó wáng duì ér zǐ mén de zòng róng líng shāng jiè nǎo huǒ。
The king's indulgence towards his sons angered the business community.
9
守护之神毗湿奴化身为下界的一位国王。
shǒu hù zhī shén pí shī nú huà shēn wéi xià jiè de yī wèi guó wáng。
The god Vishnu was incarnated on earth as a king.
10
为了结束与其臣民的冲突，国王作出了很大的让步。
wéi le jié shù yǔ qí chén mín de chōng tū， ， guó wáng zuò chū le hěn dà de ràng。
The King made major concessions to end the confrontation with his people.
Cultural Notes for 国王
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of kingship is deeply tied to the historical dynasties that ruled China. Understanding the role of '国王' can provide insights into traditional Chinese governance and the importance of family lineage.
Frequently Asked Questions about 国王
'国王' refers specifically to a king, while '皇帝' (huángdì) denotes an emperor, a higher rank with broader authority over multiple kingdoms.
You can say '这个国王非常有权力' (Zhège guówáng fēicháng yǒu quánlì), which means 'This king has a lot of power.'
It is not commonly used in daily conversation unless discussing topics related to history, politics, or literature.
