伺候

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

Significado

Atender; cuidar; servir.

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.

Ejemplos

1. 她辞掉工作专心在家伺候生病的父亲。
2. 这位客人特别难伺候，什么都不满意。
3. 古代宫廷里有专门伺候皇帝起居的太监和宫女。

Guía de uso

Contexto: caregiving, service, everyday

Tono: varies by context

Correcto

• 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.)

Incorrecto

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

Origen e historia

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

Contexto cultural

Generación: All ages

Contexto social: Universal