Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a feudal lord is most commonly expressed as 大名 (daimyō), referring to powerful territorial lords during the Edo period. Other terms exist for different ranks and contexts, but 大名 is the standard word for English learners.
The most common and general term for a feudal lord in Japanese history, especially during the Edo period (1603–1868).
The standard term for a daimyo, a powerful feudal lord who ruled over a domain and served the shogun. This is the most common word for 'feudal lord' in Japanese.
江戸時代には約260の大名がいた。
During the Edo period, there were about 260 feudal lords.
彼の先祖は大名だった。
His ancestor was a feudal lord.
Terms for feudal lords in earlier periods or in a more general sense, not limited to the Edo period.
A more generic term for a feudal lord or landowner, used across different periods. It emphasizes the lord's control over a territory.
中世の領主は城に住んでいた。
Medieval feudal lords lived in castles.
A term for feudal lords or princes, often used in historical or literary contexts. It can refer to multiple lords collectively.
When referring specifically to a feudal lord in a European context, different terms are used.
The direct translation for 'feudal lord' in a European medieval context. It explicitly refers to the feudal system.
イギリスの封建領主は広大な土地を持っていた。
English feudal lords owned vast lands.
Can also be used for European feudal lords, though it is less specific than 封建領主.
The term 'feudal lord' is historical. In modern Japanese, there is no direct equivalent for a contemporary figure. Using 大名 or 領主 to refer to a modern person would sound strange or metaphorical.
大名 specifically refers to the Edo-period lords under the shogunate, while 領主 is a broader term for any territorial lord throughout Japanese history. For European feudalism, 封建領主 is the most precise.
The feudal lords pledged loyalty to the shogun.
Medieval European lords ruled over peasants.