Translation guide
A group of attendants or followers accompanying an important person. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to express this is with the word お供 (otomo), but other terms exist for specific contexts like historical, formal, or military settings.
The group of people accompanying a person of high status, such as a noble, official, or celebrity, in everyday or modern contexts.
The most common and versatile word for a retinue or attendants. It can be used for anyone from a feudal lord to a modern celebrity. Often used in the phrase お供をする (to accompany someone as part of their retinue).
The company president headed to the meeting with his retinue.
She always has a large retinue in attendance.
Refers specifically to the attendants or followers surrounding a person. Slightly more formal or literary than お供, often used in historical or descriptive contexts.
The daimyo's retinue passed through the castle town.
A formal term for members of a retinue, often used in official or business contexts, such as a delegation or entourage accompanying a dignitary.
The president's retinue arrived ahead of time.
An alternative kanji for お供, but less common. Can also mean 'companion' in a more general sense. Use お供 for clarity.
Travel with a retinue.
The group of samurai, servants, or attendants accompanying a feudal lord (daimyo) or noble in historical contexts.
While it generally means 'procession' or 'parade', it is often used to describe the retinue of a feudal lord traveling in a formal procession, especially in historical contexts like the sankin-kotai (alternate attendance) system.
The daimyo's retinue for alternate attendance numbered in the hundreds.
A term specifically for the assembling or array of a retinue, often used in historical or ceremonial contexts. It emphasizes the formal arrangement of attendants.
The shogun's retinue was assembled.
Refers to retainers or vassals, the individuals who make up a feudal retinue. It focuses on the members rather than the group as a whole.
The group of officers, aides, or guards accompanying a military commander.
Refers to a commander's staff or retinue in a military context. It implies a group of aides and advisors rather than just guards.
The general inspected the battlefield with his retinue.
A formal term for attendants or members of a retinue, often used for military or official delegations. Similar to 随行員 but slightly more concise.
English 'retinue' often implies a formal or historical group, but in Japanese, the most natural equivalent depends heavily on context. Using お供 in a modern casual setting is fine, but 行列 or 供揃え would sound overly dramatic unless referring to a historical reenactment or ceremony.
お供 is the most general and can be used for anyone from a friend to a CEO. 供回り is more specific to the group surrounding a person, often with a historical or literary flavor. 随行員 is formal and used for official delegations or business trips.
The lord was accompanied by many retainers.
The commander's retinue attended the strategy meeting.