What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
king
Example
The king of England is a constitutional monarch. [king: noun]
Example
He was crowned as the king of the land after his father's death. [king: noun]
emperor
Example
The emperor of Japan is a symbol of the unity of the Japanese people. [emperor: noun]
Example
He declared himself the emperor of the newly formed empire. [emperor: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
King is more commonly used than emperor in everyday language. King is a more versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while emperor is less common and is usually reserved for historical or cultural references.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between king and emperor?
Both king and emperor are formal terms that are associated with royalty and nobility. However, emperor is considered more formal and grandiose than king, reflecting the larger scope of authority and power associated with the title.
