JLPT N1

仕える

つかえる

to serve, to work for

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

仕

Radical: —

Core Meaning

"仕える" means to serve or work for someone, often implying loyalty or duty. It is commonly used in contexts involving serving a person of higher status, such as a lord, employer, or elder.

Usage Nuances

This verb carries a respectful tone, especially in traditional or formal contexts. It can describe both personal service (like serving a lord) and professional employment.

Common Collocations

  • 皇帝に仕える (to serve the emperor): historical or formal
  • 会社に仕える (to work for a company): modern professional context
  • 上司に仕える (to serve a superior): implies respect and duty

Avoid using it casually for everyday service jobs; it implies a closer or more respectful relationship.

Example Sentences

He served the emperor all his life, with utmost loyalty.

She works for a large company, responsible for client relations.

In Japanese culture, 仕える is often used to express respect towards superiors or elders.