Dictionary
English - Japanese

Servant

ˈsərvənt
Very common
~ 1900
~ 1900
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

使用人 (しようにん), 従者 (じゅうしゃ), 下僕 (げぼく), 奉仕者 (ほうししゃ), サーバント

Servant meanings in Japanese

使用人 (しようにん)

Example:
The servant cleaned the house every day.
使用人は毎日家を掃除しました。
She treated her servant with kindness.
彼女は使用人に優しく接しました。
Usage: formalContext: Historical or literary contexts, referring to a domestic worker or attendant.
Note: This term often carries a traditional connotation and can imply a class difference.

従者 (じゅうしゃ)

Example:
The lord arrived with his servant.
領主は従者を連れて到着しました。
The servant followed closely behind the noble.
従者は貴族の後ろにぴったりとついて行きました。
Usage: formalContext: Used in a feudal or aristocratic context, often referring to someone who attends to a noble or high-ranking person.
Note: This term is less common in modern usage and is often found in historical texts.

下僕 (げぼく)

Example:
He treated his servants poorly.
彼は下僕をひどく扱いました。
In that household, the servants had no rights.
その家では下僕に権利がありませんでした。
Usage: formalContext: This term refers to someone who serves, often in a derogatory manner, and implies a lack of respect.
Note: This term is quite old-fashioned and may be considered offensive in modern contexts.

奉仕者 (ほうししゃ)

Example:
She is a servant of the community.
彼女は地域の奉仕者です。
The servant dedicated his life to helping others.
その奉仕者は他の人を助けるために人生を捧げました。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Refers to someone who serves in a more altruistic sense, such as in community service.
Note: This term can also imply a positive connotation associated with helping others.

サーバント

Example:
The server is a servant in the restaurant.
レストランのサーバントは、客をおもてなしします。
The servant brought the food to the table.
サーバントはテーブルに料理を運びました。
Usage: informalContext: Commonly used in modern contexts to refer to service staff in restaurants or similar establishments.
Note: This is a loanword from English and is widely understood in modern Japanese.

Servant's synonyms

attendant

An attendant is someone who assists or serves others, often in a specific setting or role.
Example: The flight attendant helped passengers with their luggage.
Note: Attendant typically implies a more formal or professional role compared to servant.

household staff

Household staff refers to the employees who work in a household, performing various duties such as cleaning, cooking, and serving.
Example: The household staff ensures that the mansion is well-maintained.
Note: Household staff is a broader term encompassing all employees working in a household, while servant specifically refers to someone who serves others.

domestic worker

A domestic worker is someone employed to assist with household tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and childcare.
Example: Many families hire domestic workers to help with household chores.
Note: Domestic worker is a more modern and politically correct term compared to servant, emphasizing the work aspect rather than servitude.

employee

An employee is a person hired to work for an organization or individual in exchange for payment.
Example: The employee at the hotel reception desk greeted guests with a smile.
Note: Employee is a general term for anyone working in a formal employment relationship, whereas servant specifically implies a role of serving others.

Servant expressions, common phrases

Serve someone

To provide a service or help to someone.
Example: I enjoy serving others by volunteering at the local shelter.
Note: The focus is on providing assistance or fulfilling a task rather than the role of a servant.

In service of

To be devoted to helping or working for a particular cause or group.
Example: She dedicated her life in service of the less fortunate.
Note: Emphasizes dedication and commitment rather than a subservient role.

Public servant

Someone who works for the government or community to benefit the public.
Example: Teachers, police officers, and firefighters are considered public servants.
Note: Refers to a specific role within society rather than a generic servant.

Servant leadership

A leadership style where the leader prioritizes the needs of their team or organization.
Example: The CEO practiced servant leadership by putting the needs of employees first.
Note: Focuses on leadership qualities related to service and support rather than servitude.

Servant's heart

Having a compassionate and helpful nature, always ready to assist others.
Example: She has a servant's heart, always willing to help those in need.
Note: Reflects a positive character trait rather than a literal role as a servant.

Servant of the people

A person who sees themselves as working selflessly for the benefit of others.
Example: As a politician, he saw himself as a servant of the people, working for their best interests.
Note: Conveys a sense of duty and responsibility to serve others rather than a subordinate position.

Servant problem

Historically, a term used to describe social issues and challenges related to the employment of servants.
Example: The novel explores the complex relationship between masters and servants, known as the servant problem.
Note: Refers to broader societal issues rather than an individual in a servant role.

Servant everyday (slang) expressions

Help

Informal term often used to refer to someone who assists or provides support.
Example: Can you help me with the dishes, please?
Note: More casual and broad in meaning compared to 'servant.'

Aide

A person who assists or supports someone in their duties or work.
Example: The teacher's aide helped the students with their projects.
Note: Less formal than 'servant' and often implies a more equal or specialized role.

Sidekick

A close companion or partner who supports or assists someone, often in a more relaxed or friendly manner.
Example: Batman's loyal sidekick, Robin, always has his back.
Note: Carries a playful connotation and emphasizes camaraderie over traditional service.

Minion

A follower or underling who obediently serves a powerful or influential person.
Example: The evil villain's minions carried out his wicked plans with enthusiasm.
Note: Often used humorously or in a derogatory manner to depict blind loyalty or subservience.

Lackey

A person who obediently serves someone in a subordinate or menial role.
Example: The CEO's lackey fetched coffee for the entire board meeting.
Note: Can have a negative connotation, implying servitude or subservience without respect or autonomy.

Gofer

Someone who runs errands or performs various tasks for others.
Example: I need a gofer to pick up some supplies for the event.
Note: Focuses on the subordinate role of running errands or completing small tasks rather than formal service.

Henchman

A loyal and often ruthless follower who assists in carrying out nefarious or criminal activities.
Example: The crime boss sent his henchman to intimidate the rivals.
Note: Carries a darker and more sinister connotation compared to 'servant,' implying involvement in illegal or unethical acts.

Servant - Examples

The servant brought the tea to the guests.
She worked as a servant in a wealthy family's house.
The king's servants were always at his beck and call.

Servant grammar

Servant - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: servant
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): servants
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): servant
Syllables, Separation and Stress
servant Contains 2 syllables: ser • vant
Phonetic transcription: ˈsər-vənt
ser vant , ˈsər vənt (The red syllable is stressed)

Servant - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
servant: ~ 1900 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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