Japanese word

仕える

Pronunciation

Romajitsukaeru

Meaning

  • verbserve

Example

彼は王に仕えています。kare wa ō ni tsuka e te i ma su

He serves the king.

Illustration for 仕える (serve)

More examples

彼女は若いころ、神社に仕えていました。kano jo wa waka i ko ro jin ja ni tsuka e te i ma shi ta

When she was young, she served at a shrine.

Core concept

Expresses supporting a person of higher status through a continuing role in that person's household, service, or organization.

Common phrases

  • 主人に仕えるshu jin ni tsuka e ru

    serve one's master

  • 主君に仕えるshu kun ni tsuka e ru

    serve one's lord

  • 人に仕えるhito ni tsuka e ru

    serve someone

Similar words

奉仕するhōshisuru: To give ongoing service to a person, group, or cause, often as a duty.
勤めるtsutomeru: To work in an official role for an organization or person.
尽くすtsukusu: To devote effort and loyalty to a person, group, or cause.
奉公するhōkōsuru: To work in service to a household or employer, especially in a traditional setting.

Definition in Japanese

主君や目上の人に付き従い、その人の仕事を助ける。shu kun ya me ue no hito ni tsu ki shitaga i so no hito no shi goto o tasu ke ru

Word origin

仕える (tsukaeru) is the modern form of the native Japanese classical verb 仕ふ (tsukau), meaning "to serve" or "to attend on".

Usage tips

  • Unlike a neutral description of employment, 仕える (tsukaeru) suggests a personal or hierarchical bond and is therefore common in historical and formal contexts.

Other meanings

  • work forverb

Related words

  • 仕えtsukaeservicenoun
  • 仕え方tsukaekataway of servingnoun

Word lists with this word