Meanings of 伺候
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Podcast: 伺候
Podcast: 伺候
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AI Study Notes for 伺候
照顾 (zhàogù) - use 伺候 when emphasizing respectful service, while 照顾 focuses on care or looking after someone.
Think of '伺' as 'to spy' and '候' as 'to wait.' Imagine a servant waiting nearby, observing and ready to serve at a moment's notice, which captures both the meaning and pronunciation of '伺候.'
'伺候' is often used in formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include '伺候老爷' (serve the master) or '伺候病人' (attend to the patient). Be careful with the tone, as using the wrong tone can change the meaning significantly.
As an HSK 6 word, '伺候' connects with other advanced vocabulary related to service and caregiving. Focus on its use in more formal conversations and written texts, as well as its collocations with other verbs and nouns in similar contexts.
'伺候' reflects the traditional Chinese value of respect and care for elders and authority figures, often seen in familial and hierarchical relationships, especially in historical contexts where servants were expected to be attentive.
Learners often confuse '伺候' with '服务,' using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我服务他' instead of '我伺候他' can sound too casual or inappropriate in a formal context.
Pronunciation of 伺候
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Component Characters
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Grammar Patterns of 伺候
伺候 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
这也不满意，那也不满意，真是太难____了。
Not satisfied with this, not satisfied with that — truly impossible to please.
Example Sentences for 伺候 (2)
Cultural Notes for 伺候
'伺候' reflects the traditional Chinese value of respect and care for elders and authority figures, often seen in familial and hierarchical relationships, especially in historical contexts where servants were expected to be attentive.
In Western cultures, the concept of service may not carry the same connotations of hierarchy and respect as it does in Chinese culture, where '伺候' implies deference to social status.
Frequently Asked Questions about 伺候
Yes, '伺候' is generally used in more formal contexts, especially when referring to serving someone of higher status.