Translation guide
A dynasty is a sequence of rulers from the same family. In Japanese, the most common word is 王朝 (ōchō), but other terms like 朝 (chō) and 王家 (ōke) are used depending on context. This guide explains how to express the concept naturally.
To refer to a dynasty in the sense of a hereditary ruling family, especially in historical or general contexts.
The standard word for 'dynasty' in historical and political contexts. It refers to a line of rulers from the same family.
唐王朝は中国の黄金時代を築いた。
The Tang dynasty built a golden age of China.
A shorter form often used in compound names of specific dynasties, like 唐 (Tang) + 朝. It is common in historical texts.
唐の時代の文化は日本に大きな影響を与えた。
The culture of the Tang dynasty had a great influence on Japan.
Literally 'royal family', this can refer to a dynasty in the sense of a royal house, especially in European contexts.
ハプスブルク王家はヨーロッパの歴史に大きな足跡を残した。
The Habsburg dynasty left a major mark on European history.
To refer to a particular dynasty by name, such as the Ming dynasty or the Romanov dynasty.
The most common pattern for naming a specific dynasty, especially for Chinese and Korean dynasties. Attach 朝 directly to the name.
明は中国の王朝の一つです。
The Ming is one of the Chinese dynasties.
Used for emphasis or clarity, or when the name is longer. It is slightly more formal.
ロマノフ王朝はロシア帝国を統治した。
The Romanov dynasty ruled the Russian Empire.
Used for European royal houses, especially when emphasizing the family aspect.
ウィンザー王家はイギリスの王室です。
The House of Windsor is the British royal family.
To refer to the time period during which a dynasty ruled, often used in historical discussions.
Means 'the era of ~'. It is a natural way to talk about the period of a dynasty without using the word 'dynasty' directly.
清の時代には、中国の領土は最大になった。
During the Qing dynasty, China's territory reached its greatest extent.
A more explicit way to say 'the period of the ~ dynasty', often used in academic contexts.
唐時代の文化は国際的だった。
The culture of the Tang dynasty period was international.
To describe a family that has maintained power or success over generations in a non-royal context, such as a business or sports team.
The word 王朝 can be used metaphorically for a long-lasting dominant family or group in business, sports, etc.
あの家族は地元の政治王朝だ。
That family is a local political dynasty.
Literally 'the era of the ~ family', used to describe a period of dominance by a particular family.
ケネディ家の時代はアメリカ政治に大きな影響を与えた。
The Kennedy dynasty had a major influence on American politics.
王朝 is the general term for dynasty. 朝 is a suffix used in specific dynasty names (e.g., 唐). 王家 refers to a royal family or house, often used for European monarchies.
When talking about the time period of a dynasty, it's often more natural to say 〜の時代 (the era of ~) rather than using 王朝 directly.
明は約300年間中国を支配した。
The Ming dynasty ruled China for nearly 300 years.
プトレマイオス朝はクレオパトラで終わった。
The Ptolemaic dynasty ended with Cleopatra.