Translation and Meaning of: 仕える - tsukaeru

The Japanese word 仕える [つかえる] carries a deep and culturally relevant meaning, often associated with service, loyalty, and duty. If you are looking to better understand its use, translation, or origin, this article will explore these aspects clearly and practically. Additionally, we will see how this word is perceived in Japan, its context in sentences, and tips for memorizing it correctly.

Whether you are a student of Japanese or just someone curious about the language, understanding 仕える goes beyond the dictionary. This word appears in formal and historical contexts, reflecting important values of Japanese society. Here, we will unravel its most common uses and curiosities that make it an interesting term to learn.

Meaning and translation of 仕える: to serve.

仕える is a Japanese verb that means "to serve," "to be of service," or "to be at someone's service." Unlike other similar terms, such as 働く (to work), it carries a connotation more related to devotion or submission, often in hierarchical contexts. For example, it can be used to describe a samurai serving his feudal lord or a dedicated employee to his company.

In the translation to English, it is important to note that 仕える does not limit itself to common service, but implies a relationship of respect and commitment. This means that the word is often used in historical narratives or situations where loyalty is a central factor. Its use in modern everyday life is less frequent, but it still appears in formal speeches or literary contexts.

Origin and cultural use of 仕える

The origin of 仕える is linked to the kanji 仕, which by itself already refers to service or work. This character is composed of the radical 亻 (person) and 士 (warrior, servant), reinforcing the idea of someone who serves with dedication. Historically, the word was used to describe vassals, servants, and other individuals in subordinate positions in Japanese feudal society.

In modern Japan, although the caste system has disappeared, the concept behind 仕える still resonates in certain professions and working relationships. Long-term employees in traditional companies, for example, can be described with this word to emphasize their loyalty. Furthermore, it appears in plays, period films, and literature, keeping its historical significance alive.

How to memorize and use 仕える correctly

A useful tip for memorizing 仕える is to associate it with situations where there is a clear relationship of service and hierarchy. Think of samurai serving their masters or dedicated employees in traditional Japanese companies. This mental connection helps to solidify not only the meaning but also the appropriate context for its use.

Avoid confusing 仕える with other verbs like 手伝う (help) or 働く (work). While these terms have a more general meaning, 仕える implies a more specific and often asymmetrical relationship. Practicing with real sentences, like those found in the Suki Nihongo dictionary, can be a great way to internalize these nuances.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 仕える (tsukaeru) - Serve, be subordinate (in a work or service context)
• 奉仕する (houshi suru) - To serve, to offer services (often in a voluntary or devoted context)
• 勤める (tsutomeru) - Working for an organization or in a profession (refers to formal occupations)
• 仕事する (shigoto suru) - To do a job, to be employed (usually it's more general and can include various forms of work)
• 働く (hataraku) - Work, perform an activity (focused on the action of working)

仕える

Romaji: tsukaeru
Kana: つかえる
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: serve; work for

Meaning in English: to serve;to work for

Definition: Be useful to other people or organizations by working.

Example Sentences - (仕える) tsukaeru

See below some example sentences:

私は彼女に仕えることを決めました。

Watashi wa kanojo ni tsukaeru koto o kimemashita

I decided to serve her.

I decided to serve it.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 彼女 (kanojo) - noun meaning "her" or "girlfriend"
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the target of the action, in this case, "for her"
• 仕える (tsukaeru) - The word is "serve" or "work for"
• こと (koto) - noun that indicates an action or event, in this case, "to serve"
• を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the action, in this case, "to serve"
• 決めました (kimemashita) - verb that means "decide" in the past, in this case, "I decided (to serve her)"