tokugawa iyeyasu: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Historical/Academic
Quick answer
What does “tokugawa iyeyasu” mean?
The name of the founder and first shōgun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan, which ruled from 1603 to 1868.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The name of the founder and first shōgun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan, which ruled from 1603 to 1868.
A historical figure symbolizing the unification of Japan, political cunning, and the establishment of a long-lasting feudal peace (Pax Tokugawa). Often used metonymically to refer to the era, the shogunate, or the political system he created.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. Both use the same romanization.
Connotations
Conveys the same historical and academic connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both, confined to historical, academic, or cultural discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “tokugawa iyeyasu” in a Sentence
[Subject] studied/discussed/defeated/established/venerated Tokugawa Ieyasu.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tokugawa iyeyasu” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Tokugawa period saw relative peace.
- A Tokugawa-era policy.
American English
- The Tokugawa era was stable.
- Tokugawa-era diplomacy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly used metaphorically for long-term strategic planning or consolidation.
Academic
Common in history, political science, and East Asian studies texts and discussions.
Everyday
Virtually never used unless discussing Japanese history or culture.
Technical
Used precisely in historical chronology and discussions of Japanese feudalism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tokugawa iyeyasu”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tokugawa iyeyasu”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tokugawa iyeyasu”
- Misspelling: 'Iyeyasu' (archaic), 'Iyeyasu', 'Tokagawa'.
- Incorrect word order: 'Ieyasu Tokugawa'.
- Using it as a common noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard English approximation is /ˌtoʊ.ku.ˈɡɑ.wə ˌi.eɪ.ˈjɑ.su/ (American) or /ˌtɒk.uː.ˈɡɑː.wə ˌiː.eɪ.ˈjɑː.suː/ (British). The Japanese pronunciation is closer to [tokɯgawa ieꜜjasɯ].
'Iyeyasu' is an older, historical romanization based on different transliteration systems (like Hepburn circa 19th century). The modern, standard romanization is 'Ieyasu'.
Yes, in historical writing, after the full name has been introduced, it is common to refer to him simply as 'Ieyasu'.
All three were 'Great Unifiers' of Japan. Nobunaga began the process, Hideyoshi continued it, but Ieyasu was the one who ultimately secured long-term stability by founding a shogunal dynasty that lasted for centuries.
The name of the founder and first shōgun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan, which ruled from 1603 to 1868.
Tokugawa iyeyasu is usually formal/historical/academic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Playing the Ieyasu (metaphor for a long-term, patient strategy)”
- “An Ieyasu-like patience”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
TOKU (took) GAWA (governing) Japan, I EYAsu (I eye a sue) = I see the establishment of a long rule.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FOUNDATION STONE (for a long-lasting structure/system). A PATIENT ARCHITECT (of a political order).
Practice
Quiz
What is Tokugawa Ieyasu most famous for establishing?