1.
to serve, to work for (a master or lord)
To serve or attend to a person of higher status, such as a lord, ruler, or employer. Often used in historical or literary contexts.
王に仕える。
To serve the king.
彼は長年この家に仕えてきた。
He has served this household for many years.
武士は主君に忠実に仕えることを誇りとした。
Samurai took pride in serving their lord faithfully.
An ichidan verb. Frequently encountered in historical narratives and period dramas. The particle に marks the person being served. In modern usage, this word has a somewhat formal or literary flavor compared to the more neutral 働く (to work).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 神に仕える (serve God)
- 主君に仕える (serve one's lord)
- 国に仕える (serve one's country)
- 宮廷に仕える (serve at court)