Taizi

Taizi (太子) is a historical and cultural term used in Chinese-speaking societies to denote the crown prince, the designated heir to the throne. The characters literally mean “great son,” but in this context the word functions as a formal title rather than a simple description of age or gender. The term is closely related to but not identical with 皇太子 (huang taizi), the more formal title used for the heir of an emperor, and with 世子 (shizi), which can refer to the heir of a feudal lord or a broader sense of successor.

In imperial times, the crown prince was usually chosen by the reigning emperor and raised to prepare for governance. The process and status of Taizi could vary by dynasty: some eras emphasized a clear, codified line of succession, while others left succession more open to court politics, regency, or influence from powerful consorts, nobles, or regents. The crown prince often received specialized education in governance, law, ritual, and military affairs to ready him for rule. Political intrigue around the position was common, and at times Taizi titles were altered, disputed, or revoked.

Distinctions among related terms can be subtle. 皇太子 generally marks the official heir to the imperial throne, while 世子 or other regional terms could denote heirs within princely or noble houses. In modern contexts, Taizi is primarily a historical or literary concept rather than a living office, though it appears in historical documents, dramas, and fiction to describe past succession arrangements.

Beyond its royal meaning, Taizi may appear as a place name or personal name in some contexts, but its primary significance is as a historical title for the heir to the throne.