Translation and Meaning of: 給仕 - kyuuji

The Japanese word 給仕[きゅうじ] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances for those studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday Japanese. Furthermore, we will understand its cultural context and some tips for memorizing it easily.

If you've ever wondered what 給仕 means or how to apply it in everyday sentences, this text will help you. We will uncover everything from its kanji writing to practical examples that can be useful for students and curious minds. Follow along to discover everything about this word and how it fits into the Japanese language.

Meaning and use of 給仕

給仕, pronounced as きゅうじ (kyūji), refers to the act of serving food or drinks, especially in formal or professional contexts. It is commonly associated with waiters, bartenders, or anyone who performs this function in restaurants, events, or even at home. The word has a more polished tone and can be used in situations that require a certain level of formality.

Unlike more casual terms like ウエイター (ueitā, "waiter" in English), 給仕 carries a more traditional connotation. It appears in environments such as ryokan (Japanese inns) or in ceremonies where the service is an essential part of the experience. Its use is not limited to restaurants; it can also be applied in domestic contexts when someone serves guests during a meal.

Origin and writing in kanji

The word 給仕 is composed of two kanji: 給 (kyū), which means "to provide" or "to supply," and 仕 (ji), related to "to serve" or "to work." Together, they form the idea of "serving something that has been provided," which makes perfect sense in light of its current meaning. This combination effectively reflects the role of someone who serves food or drinks.

It is worth noting that 仕 is a kanji present in other words related to service, such as 仕事 (shigoto, "work") and 仕える (tsukaeru, "to serve"). This connection helps to understand why 給仕 is related to service activities. Although it is not extremely common in daily life, its logical structure makes it easier to memorize for those who are already familiar with these characters.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to remember 給仕 is to associate the first kanji (給) with "supply," as in 給料 (kyūryō, "salary"), and the second (仕) with "service." Thinking of "providing service" can help anchor the meaning. Another tip is to practice with phrases like 給仕係 (kyūjigakari), which specifically refers to a waiter or a person in charge of serving.

Curiously, 給仕 was used more in the past, especially in aristocratic contexts or in wealthy families that had domestic employees. Today, although it still appears in formal situations, terms like ウエイター or 店員 (ten'in, "store employee") are more common in daily life. Even so, knowing 給仕 is useful for anyone who wants to understand Japanese in its more traditional and polite form.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 仕える (tsukaeru) - Serve (to someone); devote oneself to
• 仕え役 (tsukaeyaku) - Serving role; function of serving
• ウェイター (weitea) - Waiter, usually male
• ウエイター (ueitaa) - Waiter, variation of writing
• サーバー (saabaa) - Server; waiter, used in more modern contexts
• ホール係 (hooru gake) - Salon staff; responsible for serving in the salon
• 接客係 (sekkyaku gake) - Attendant; employee who assists customers
• ウェイティングスタッフ (weitingu sutaffu) - Service team (waiting); employees who assist customers

給仕

Romaji: kyuuji
Kana: きゅうじ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: office of office (girl); page; waiter

Meaning in English: office boy (girl);page;waiter

Definition: Supply of food, beverages, and services.

Example Sentences - (給仕) kyuuji

See below some example sentences:

私はレストランで給仕をしています。

Watashi wa resutoran de kyuji o shiteimasu

I work as a waiter in a restaurant.

I serve in a restaurant.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• レストラン (resutoran) - word in Japanese that means "restaurant"
• で (de) - Particle that indicates the place where the action occurs
• 給仕 (kyuushi) - The word in Japanese that means "waiter/waitress" is ウェイター (weitaa) for waiter and ウェイトレス (weitoresu) for waitress.
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• しています (shiteimasu) - verb that indicates the action of "being doing" something in the present moment