皇室

• Pinyin: huáng shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 皇 = 白 + 王 (supreme ruler); 室 = 宀 + 至 (roof + arrive, a dwelling)

Meaning

The royal family; the imperial household. The family of a ruling monarch or emperor.

Refers collectively to the members of a ruling dynasty or royal family. Used in both historical contexts (Chinese imperial dynasties) and contemporary contexts (foreign monarchies). Commonly appears in news, diplomatic discourse, and cultural discussions.

Examples

1. 英国皇室的一举一动都受到全球媒体的密切关注。 Every move the British royal family makes is closely watched by media around the world.
2. 这批文物曾是清朝皇室的私人珍藏，后流失海外，如今终于回归故土。 These artifacts were once part of the Qing imperial family’s private collection, later lost overseas, and have now finally returned home.
3. 皇室成员在公众场合必须严格遵守繁复的礼仪规范。 In public, members of the royal family must strictly follow an elaborate code of etiquette.

Usage Guide

Context: history, politics, culture, media

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 随着时代的变迁，许多国家的皇室逐渐从政治权力中心退出，转而承担文化象征的职责。(As times have changed, royal families in many countries have gradually withdrawn from the centre of political power, taking on a role as cultural symbols instead.)
• 日本皇室在传统礼仪的传承上一直保持着严格而系统的规范。(The Japanese imperial household has consistently maintained strict and systematic standards in the preservation of traditional ceremonial customs.)

Don't Say

• 皇室 to refer to any wealthy or elite family — use 贵族家庭 or 名门望族; 皇室 specifically denotes a family of royal or imperial status

Origin & History

皇 (imperial/royal) + 室 (household/chamber) — the imperial household or royal family

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal