諸侯

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The written form is 諸侯, read しょこう. Elements for various and lord combine in a collective noun for feudal lords ruling different regions.
• Basic usage: 各地の諸侯 identifies regional lords summoned by the king, while 国王と諸侯 identifies the lords in conflict with the monarch.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Regional lords summoned to the capital
  • The king summons feudal lords from across the regions to the capital. Example: 王は各地の諸侯を都へ集めた。 — The king summoned the regional lords to the capital.
• Conflict with the king in a history book
  • A history book records conflicts between the king and the feudal lords. Example: 歴史書には国王と諸侯の争いが記されている。 — The history book records conflicts between the king and the feudal lords.