1.
follower, subordinate, protégé, henchman
A person who follows and serves a leader or boss figure. Originally from the hierarchical oyabun-kobun (boss-follower) system, now used more broadly for any loyal underling.
親分と子分の関係。
A boss-follower relationship.
彼はいつもボスの子分のように振る舞う。
He always acts like the boss's henchman.
ガキ大将は子分を引き連れて公園にやってきた。
The neighborhood bully came to the park with his gang of followers.
Comes from the traditional Japanese 親分・子分 (boss-follower) hierarchy, which originated in feudal loyalty structures and is strongly associated with yakuza organizations. In modern usage, it is also used colloquially or humorously for any boss-underling dynamic, including among children.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 親分と子分: boss and follower (paired set)
- 子分になる: to become someone's follower
- 子分を従える: to have followers in tow
- 子分肌: having the temperament of a follower
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 部下: subordinate — workplace term; professional and neutral
- 手下: underling — somewhat derogatory; implies being used
- 弟子: disciple, apprentice — implies a teaching relationship