公主

• Pinyin: gōng zhǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 公 = duke, indicating nobility; 主 = 丶 (flame) on 王 (king), meaning master/host — together 'noble lady'

Meaning

Princess. The daughter of a monarch.

Literally the daughter of an emperor or king. In modern usage, often used affectionately or teasingly for girls: 小公主 (little princess), 公主病 (princess syndrome — being spoiled and demanding), 公主梦 (princess dream). Popular in children's culture, fairy tales, and Disney-influenced media.

Examples

1. 每个小女孩心里都有一个公主梦，梦想穿上漂亮的长裙。 Every little girl has a princess dream in her heart, dreaming of wearing a beautiful gown.
2. 这部动画片讲述的是一位勇敢的公主拯救王国的故事。 This animated film tells the story of a brave princess saving the kingdom.
3. 她被家人宠得有些公主病，什么事都要别人伺候。 She's been so spoiled by her family that she has princess syndrome and expects everyone to wait on her.

Usage Guide

Context: royalty, children, affection

Tone: affectionate

Do Say

• 她打扮得像个小公主。(She's dressed up like a little princess.)
• 灰姑娘最后变成了公主。(Cinderella eventually became a princess.)

Don't Say

• 用'公主病'夸人 (Don't use 公主病 as a compliment — it's a criticism meaning spoiled and demanding)

Origin & History

Compound of 公 (duke, lord — here indicating royalty) + 主 (master, lord). Originally referred to daughters of nobles, later specifically to royal princesses.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal