minamoto yoritomo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 - Low Frequency (Academic/Historical Context)Formal, Academic, Historical
Quick answer
What does “minamoto yoritomo” mean?
The first shōgun (military dictator) of the Kamakura Shogunate of Japan, who established the first bakufu government in 1192.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The first shōgun (military dictator) of the Kamakura Shogunate of Japan, who established the first bakufu government in 1192.
A historical figure representing the establishment of samurai rule in Japan, the founder of a shogunate, and a symbol of political pragmatism and military governance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical. Both varieties treat it as a foreign proper noun.
Connotations
Historical authority, military leadership, foundational political figure.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general conversation. Used with equal and low frequency in academic or specialised historical texts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “minamoto yoritomo” in a Sentence
[Subject] discusses Minamoto Yoritomo's role in...The shogunate, established by Minamoto Yoritomo, lasted...Historians credit Minamoto Yoritomo with founding...Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in history, East Asian studies, political science courses discussing feudalism or military governments.
Everyday
Almost never used except in specific cultural discussions or documentaries.
Technical
Used as a key term in historiography of Japan, specifically the Kamakura period.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “minamoto yoritomo”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “minamoto yoritomo”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “minamoto yoritomo”
- Pronouncing it as /maɪnəmoʊtoʊ/ (it's /mɪˈnæmətoʊ/).
- Treating 'Minamoto' and 'Yoritomo' as separate dictionary words.
- Misspelling as 'Minomoto' or 'Yoritomo'.
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a minamoto yoritomo').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a compound name in the Japanese order: 'Minamoto' is the clan name (like a surname), and 'Yoritomo' is the given name. In English, it is presented in this order.
Shogun is a title meaning 'general' or more specifically 'barbarian-subduing generalissimo'. It became the title for the military dictators who ruled Japan in the name of the Emperor.
No. He established a separate military government (the shogunate) and ruled with de facto power, while the Emperor remained the nominal sovereign in Kyoto.
He initiated the samurai-dominated shogunate system of government that defined Japanese politics and society for nearly 700 years, until the Meiji Restoration in 1868.
The first shōgun (military dictator) of the Kamakura Shogunate of Japan, who established the first bakufu government in 1192.
Minamoto yoritomo is usually formal, academic, historical in register.
Minamoto yoritomo: in British English it is pronounced /mɪˌnæ.mə.təʊ ˌjɒr.ɪˈtəʊ.məʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /mɪˌnɑː.mə.toʊ ˌjɔːr.ɪˈtoʊ.moʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No direct English idioms. In Japanese historical context, can symbolize 'the triumph of the provincial warrior' or 'the end of aristocratic rule'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the MINimum of AMATO (amato means loved in Italian) for the clan name 'Minamoto'. For Yoritomo, think 'YORI' (more) + 'TOMO' (friend) – he needed more friends to become Shogun, but ultimately trusted few.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOUNDATION/ORIGIN (He is the foundation stone of samurai political rule.)
Practice
Quiz
What is Minamoto Yoritomo primarily known for?