曌
variant of "zhao"; character created by Empress Wu Zetian
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesproper noun
variant of "zhao" (照); character created by Tang Dynasty Empress Wu Zetian for her own name
archaicThis character was created by Wu Zetian (Empress Consort Wu, later Empress Regnant of the Second Zhou Dynasty, r. 690–705) to represent her given name. Structurally, it combines 明 (sun and moon, symbolizing brightness and illumination) over 空 (sky), evoking the image of the sun and moon shining together in the heavens. This visual metaphor represented Wu Zetian's power and enlightenment radiating across the empire. The character is rarely used in modern contexts except when specifically referring to Wu Zetian.
Wu Zhao was the only female emperor in Chinese history.
She named herself Zhao, meaning the sun and moon hanging in the sky.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
This character was specifically created by Wu Zetian for herself.