noun
lady-in-waiting; maid of honor
Historical term for a female attendant serving in the imperial court of Japan, especially during the Heian period. The reading ないじ is an older, now obsolete pronunciation.
清少納言は一条天皇の后に内侍として仕えた。
Sei Shōnagon served as a lady-in-waiting to Empress Teishi.
内侍は宮中で重要な役割を果たしていた。
Ladies-in-waiting played an important role in the imperial court.
女官 is a broader term for a female court official, while 内侍 specifically refers to a lady-in-waiting or maid of honor with more personal attendance duties.
From Middle Chinese-derived elements 内 (inside, within) and 侍 (to serve, attendant), referring to a female attendant serving within the imperial palace.