Japanese word

奉仕

Pronunciation

Romajihōshi

Meaning

  • nounservice

Example

地域への奉仕は大切です。chi iki e no hō shi wa tai setsu de su

Service to the community is important.

Illustration for 奉仕 (service)

More examples

医師には患者への奉仕の心が求められます。i shi ni wa kan ja e no hō shi no kokoro ga moto me ra re ma su

Doctors are expected to have a spirit of service toward their patients.

Core concept

Refers to using one's abilities or labor for the benefit of other people, the community, or a religious organization.

Common phrases

  • 公共への奉仕kō kyō e no hō shi

    service to the public

  • 無償の奉仕mu shō no hō shi

    unpaid service

  • 奉仕の心hō shi no kokoro

    spirit of service

Similar words

貢献kōken: An act of helping a group or cause through one's effort, ability, money, or resources.
サービスsābisu: Help or care provided to customers, users, or the public as part of an organized offering.
尽力jinryoku: The use of one's best efforts to achieve a goal or support another person or group.

Definition in Japanese

他人や社会の利益のために自分の力をささげて働くこと。ta nin ya sha kai no ri eki no ta me ni ji bun no chikara o sa sa ge te hatara ku ko to

Word origin

奉仕 (hōshi) combines 奉 (hō, "offer respectfully") with 仕 (shi, "serve or work"), so the compound denotes devoted service to others.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 奉仕活動 (hōshi katsudō) often covers planned community service, linking 奉仕 (hōshi) with concrete volunteer work rather than with a company's customer service.

Other meanings

  • ministrynoun

Related words

  • 奉仕者hōshishavolunteernoun

Word lists with this word