奉仕

• Reading: ほうし
• Romaji: hōshi
• Kanji breakdown: 奉 (hō/tatematsuru) — offer respectfully, serve; 仕 (shi/tsu) — serve, work for
• Pronunciation: /ho.ː.ɕi/

Meaning

Service; volunteer work; dedication. Describes selfless service to others, a cause, or an institution, often without expectation of reward.

Used as a verbal noun with する (奉仕する). 奉仕 carries a connotation of selfless dedication, often with a sense of duty or devotion. Common in contexts of community service, religious service, and discounted pricing (奉仕価格, a service price offered as a gesture). More formal and elevated than 手伝い (helping out), suggesting a sustained, principled commitment.

Examples

1. 彼女は長年、地域の子どもたちのために無償で奉仕し続けてきた。 She has continued to serve the children of the community free of charge for many years.
2. 社会奉仕の精神は、この学校の教育理念の根幹をなしている。 The spirit of community service forms the bedrock of this school's educational philosophy.
3. 宗教的な信念から奉仕活動に身を捧げる人たちが世界中にいる。 There are people all over the world who devote themselves to service activities out of religious conviction.

Usage Guide

Context: community service, religion, social welfare, business

Tone: positive

Origin & History

Compound of 奉 (hō, offer respectfully, serve) and 仕 (shi, serve, work for). Together they describe the act of respectfully placing oneself in service to another — originally in relation to deities or rulers, extended to general selfless service.

Cultural Context

Era: Traditional-Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal