管家

• Pinyin: guǎn jiā
• Hanzi breakdown: 管 = 竹 (bamboo/tube) + 官 (official — to oversee); 家 = 宀 (roof) + 豕 (pig — household)

Meaning

Housekeeper; butler; steward. A person who manages the household or affairs of a wealthy family or estate.

Historically, a trusted servant who managed the daily operations of a large household or business. In modern usage, it can refer to a professional household manager, a building property manager, or metaphorically to someone who takes charge of managing resources. Also used in company names for property management services.

Examples

1. 这座豪宅的管家每天负责安排主人的日常事务和宾客接待。 The butler of this mansion is responsible every day for arranging the owner’s routine and receiving guests.
2. 老管家在这个家族服务了三十年，深受主人家的信任。 The old butler served this family for thirty years and is deeply trusted by them.
3. 物业公司推出了智能管家服务，通过手机就能控制家中的设备。 The property management company launched a smart butler service that lets you control home devices through your phone.

Usage Guide

Context: household, services, business

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 庄园的管家负责协调所有仆人的工作安排。(The estate's steward is responsible for coordinating the work assignments of all the staff.)
• 这家酒店提供专属管家服务，全天候满足宾客需求。(This hotel offers a dedicated butler service to meet guests' needs around the clock.)

Don't Say

• 他是我们公司的管家 — use 行政主管 or 总务 for office management roles; 管家 refers to household or estate management

Origin & History

管 (to manage, to be in charge of) + 家 (household, home). A person who manages the home.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Wealthy/service industry