供

• Reading: とも
• Romaji: tomo
• Kanji breakdown: 供 (kyou/tomo) — offer, attendant, companion
• Pronunciation: /to.mo/

Meaning

Accompanying; attendant; companion. A person who goes along with someone, especially a superior.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (お供する, to accompany). Traditionally refers to a retainer or attendant following a master. In modern Japanese, お供する is a humble way to say 'to accompany someone.' Common expressions: お供をする (to accompany), 供を連れる (to bring attendants). Also seen in 子供 (kodomo, child).

Examples

1. 社長の出張にお供することになりました。 I'll be accompanying the company president on a business trip.
2. 昔の武士は供を連れて旅をした。 In the old days, samurai traveled with their attendants.
3. 先輩の買い物にお供してもいいですか。 Would it be alright if I tag along on your shopping trip?

Usage Guide

Context: business, historical, daily life

Tone: humble

Origin & History

The kanji 供 (kyou/tomo) originally meant 'to offer' or 'to present.' The reading tomo developed from the idea of offering oneself in service — accompanying and attending to someone of higher rank.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal