陛 (bì) · the steps to the throne

Meanings

1 the steps to the throne
2 (in 陛下) Your Majesty / His Majesty

Characters

陛

bì

steps to the throne

Examples

HSK 7-9

陛下，西域的使者到了。

Bìxià, Xīyù de shǐzhě dào le.

Your Majesty, the envoys from the western regions have arrived.

HSK 7-9

群臣跪在丹陛之下。

Qúnchén guì zài dānbì zhīxià.

The ministers knelt at the foot of the palace steps.

Tips

culture

陛 literally means the steps leading up to the throne. The respectful form of address 陛下 (陛下, 'Your Majesty', literally 'beneath the steps') reflects court etiquette: one addressed the attendants at the foot of the steps, not the emperor directly.