English–Japanese
“live-in domestic service” in Japanese
Japanese
Pronunciation
Romajihōkō
Example
昔は多くの子どもが奉公に出ました。mukashi wa ō ku no ko do mo ga hō kō ni de ma shi ta
In the past, many children went into live-in domestic service.
How to say “live-in domestic service” in Japanese
“Live-in domestic service” in Japanese is 奉公 (hōkō).
Describes entering another household to live and work under its authority, often while learning a trade.
Example sentences with 奉公
彼は五年間の奉公を終えて、故郷に戻りました。kare wa go nen kan no hō kō o o e te ko kyō ni modo ri ma shi ta
He returned to his hometown after completing five years of service.
Tips for using 奉公
- In historical Japan, children and young people sometimes entered a household, shop, or workshop through 奉公 (hōkō) and lived there while working.