霸主 (bà zhǔ) — (historical) a powerful leader of feudal lords, overlord (Spring and Autumn period); (modern figurative) overlord, dominant power (in business, sports, etc.)

Definition

Literally 'hegemon' (Spring and Autumn period ruler who led other lords by force), now used figuratively for any dominant leader in a field (industry, sports, etc.).

noun
(historical) a powerful leader of feudal lords, overlord (Spring and Autumn period)(modern figurative) overlorddominant power (in business, sports, etc.)
Measure word · 个

Examples

  • ，桓霸主。
    Chūn qiū shí qī, qí huán gōng shì dì yī wèi bà zhǔ.
    During the Spring and Autumn period, Duke Huan of Qi was the first overlord.
  • 霸主。
    Zhè jiā gōng sī shì shǒu jī háng yè de bà zhǔ.
    This company is the overlord of the mobile phone industry.
  • 霸主。
    Tā zài pīng pāng qiú lǐng yù dāng le duō nián bà zhǔ.
    He was the dominant player in table tennis for many years.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéSide by side

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

霸bàhegemon
主zhǔmaster

霸 and 主 both denote a ruling leader, together meaning an overlord.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

The original form paired 革 with 月 to show changes in moonlight.

Open 霸 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

The old forms that became 主 showed a lamp or torch with a flame at the top; other forms showed wood on fire or a spirit tablet.

Open 主 →

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