諸侯

• Reading: しょこう
• Romaji: shokō
• Kanji breakdown: 諸 (sho) — various, all; 侯 (kō) — feudal lord, marquis
• Pronunciation: /ɕo.koː/

Meaning

Feudal lords; princes; daimyo. Refers collectively to the regional lords who held power under a feudal system.

In Japanese history, 諸侯 refers to the daimyo (大名) — feudal lords who held domains under the Tokugawa shogunate. In broader usage it can describe any group of powerful nobles or princes in a feudal or ancient context. Now used in historical or academic writing, and occasionally as a metaphor for powerful regional figures in political commentary.

Examples

1. 江戸幕府は諸侯を参勤交代によって統制した。 The Edo shogunate controlled the feudal lords through the sankin-kotai system of alternate attendance.
2. 明治維新により、諸侯の領地は廃藩置県で解体された。 Through the Meiji Restoration, the domains of the feudal lords were dissolved by the abolition of the domains and establishment of prefectures.
3. 戦国時代、諸侯は互いに領土を争い、天下統一を目指した。 During the Warring States period, the feudal lords competed with one another for territory and aimed to unify the country.

Usage Guide

Context: Japanese history, feudal studies, academic writing

Tone: formal

Origin & History

From 諸 (sho) meaning 'various/all' and 侯 (kou) meaning 'feudal lord/marquis.' The compound refers collectively to the lords who held fiefs under a central authority.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo

Generation: Historians and students

Social background: Academic