おう
JLPT:N3
Frequency:
1

A king, ruler, sovereign, or monarch — the person who rules a country or territory.

NounNoun (Suffix)

Examples

中世の王は城に住み、国を治めていた。

Medieval kings lived in castles and ruled their countries.

その国の王が即位式で祝辞を述べた。

The country's king gave a speech at the coronation.

チェスでも将棋でも、王を守ることが最優先だ。

In both chess and shogi, protecting the king is the top priority.

2

Figuratively, 'king' is used as a title or suffix to indicate someone preeminent in a field (tycoon, champion, master).

NounNoun (Suffix)

Examples

彼はセールスの王と呼ばれるほど成績がいい。

He performs so well he's called the king of sales.

その選手はスプリントの王として知られている。

That athlete is known as the sprint king.

3

In shogi, refers to the king piece of the players (the word used for the king piece).

NounNoun (Suffix)ShogiAbbreviation

Examples

王が詰まされるとその局は終わる。

When the king is checkmated, the game ends.