伺候

• Pinyin: cì hou
• Hanzi breakdown: 伺 = 亻(person) + 司 (to manage, observe); 候 = 亻+ 矦 (to wait, attend)

Meaning

To serve; to wait upon; to attend to. A verb describing providing personal service or care to someone.

Can be neutral (caring for elderly or sick), respectful (historical servant context), or slightly negative (implying someone demands excessive attention). Context determines whether it's caring or complaining.

Examples

1. 她辞掉工作专心在家伺候生病的父亲。 She quit her job to stay home and care for her sick father.
2. 这位客人特别难伺候，什么都不满意。 This customer is especially difficult to please — nothing satisfies them.
3. 古代宫廷里有专门伺候皇帝起居的太监和宫女。 In ancient palace courts, there were eunuchs and palace maids specifically assigned to attend to the emperor's daily needs.

Usage Guide

Context: caregiving, service, everyday

Tone: varies by context

Do Say

• 老人年纪大了需要人伺候。(The elderly need someone to look after them.)
• 这台机器太娇气，不好伺候。(This machine is too finicky and hard to deal with.)

Don't Say

• 服务员，来伺候我 (Calling for service this way sounds arrogant and demanding — use 请帮我 or 麻烦您)

Origin & History

Originally meant 'to observe and serve' (伺 = observe; 候 = wait for). The combination emphasizes attentive personal service.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal