Japanese Conversation · Level 110
60 words
Japanese word
供
Pronunciation
Romajitomo
Meaning
- nounattendant
Example
王は供を連れて城を出ました。ō wa tomo o tsu re te shiro o de ma shi ta
The king left the castle with his attendants.
More examples
城門では、王の供が訪問者を迎えました。jō mon de wa ō no tomo ga hō mon sha o muka e ma shi ta
At the castle gate, the king's attendant welcomed visitors.
Core concept
Describes a person who remains alongside someone, especially in a supporting or subordinate role.
Common phrases
供を連れるtomo o tsu re ru
bring attendants
供を従えるtomo o shitaga e ru
have attendants
Similar words
従者jūsha: A person who accompanies and serves a particular master.
家来kerai: A person who serves a lord or superior as part of that person's household or retinue.
付き人tsukibito: A person assigned to accompany and assist a public figure or performer.
侍従jijū: A court official who attends a sovereign or high-ranking noble.
Definition in Japanese
主人などに付き従い、行動をともにする人。shu jin na do ni tsu ki shitaga i kō dō o to mo ni su ru hito
Word origin
供 (tomo) is a native Japanese noun for an accompanying person, and its established written form uses 供 (kyō, "offer"); the character is a writing choice rather than the word's etymological source.
Usage tips
- 供 (tomo) often appears in historical scenes involving a lord or other high-ranking person and therefore commonly translates as attendant rather than friend.
Other meanings
- companionnoun
- followernoun
Related words
- お供otomocompanionnoun