Japanese word

奴

Pronunciation

Romajiyakko

Meaning

  • nounattendant

Example

武士の奴が荷物を運びます。bu shi no yakko ga ni motsu o hako bi ma su

The samurai's servant carries the luggage.

Illustration for 奴 (attendant)

More examples

屋敷では、奴が毎朝庭を掃除します。ya shiki de wa yakko ga mai asa niwa o sō ji shi ma su

At the estate, the servant cleans the garden every morning.

Core concept

Describes a person who serves someone of higher status by doing practical tasks such as carrying belongings.

Similar words

召使いmeshitsukai: A person who performs household tasks while serving someone in a higher social position.
下男genan: A male servant responsible for manual tasks in a household.
小者komono: A low-ranking male attendant who performs practical tasks in a samurai household.

Definition in Japanese

身分の高い者に仕え、荷物運びなどの雑役をする者。mi bun no taka i mono ni tsuka e ni motsu hako bi na do no zatsu eki o su ru mono

Word origin

The Japanese noun やっこ (yakko, "attendant") developed from やつこ (yatsuko, "servant") through sound change and is commonly written with 奴 (do, "slave or servant").

Usage tips

  • The English word attendant can suggest a hotel, shop, or airline worker, so 奴 (yakko) in a historical passage usually needs a period setting rather than a modern job label.

Opposites

Word lists with this word