Definitions
(noun)
hegemon; tyrant; lord
(verb)
to rule by force; to dominate
(adjective)
master; dominant
Etymology phono-semantic
rain
Semantic:
雨
About
The character 霸, structurally composed of 雨 above 革 and 月, originally derived from a reference to lunar phases, with the 月 component directly indicating this early association with the moon. Its meaning shifted from denoting celestial patterns to signifying a feudal hegemon, a ruler who achieved supremacy through military force rather than moral authority during the Spring and Autumn period. This political term further evolved to convey broader concepts of domination and coercive control, evident in modern compounds such as 霸占 for seizing by force and 霸道 for overbearing conduct. The character's form, consistent in both writing systems, retains these components which trace its etymological progression from an astronomical term to one centered on power and authority.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
那个孩子很霸道。
他霸占了整个沙发。
历史上曾有国家争夺霸权。
他是这一带的恶霸。
项羽被称为西楚霸王。
她是全班公认的学霸。
我们必须坚决反对校园霸凌。
两家公司展开了市场争霸战。