Japanese word

侍従

Pronunciation

Romajijijū

Meaning

  • nounchamberlain

Example

王は侍従を呼びました。ō wa ji jū o yo bi ma shi ta

The king called for the chamberlain.

Illustration for 侍従 (chamberlain)

More examples

王の侍従は客を部屋へ案内しました。ō no ji jū wa kyaku o heya e an nai shi ma shi ta

The king's chamberlain escorted the guest to the room.

Core concept

Refers to a high-ranking official who serves beside a sovereign and handles official communication and access to the court.

Common phrases

  • 王の侍従ō no ji jū

    the king's chamberlain

  • 侍従を呼ぶji jū o yo bu

    call for the chamberlain

Similar words

侍臣jishin: A court official who attends a sovereign and carries out duties within the court.
近侍kinji: An attendant assigned to serve close to a ruler or other eminent person.
側近sokkin: A trusted aide who has close access to a powerful leader.

Definition in Japanese

君主や皇族に近侍し、命令の伝達や来客の取次ぎを担う役人。kun shu ya kō zoku ni kin ji shi mei rei no den tatsu ya rai kyaku no tori tsu gi o nina u yaku nin

Word origin

侍従 (jijū) is formed from 侍 (ji, "attend") and 従 (jū, "follow"), showing the role of serving beside a ruler.

Usage tips

  • In historical English, a chamberlain could oversee a ruler's household finances as well as arrange access to the ruler, so the word names an office rather than a simple servant.

Word lists with this word