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近習 (きんじゅう) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

近きん習じゅ

also: きんじゅ

き

ん

じゅ

う

Meanings

1

noun

attendant; close retainer

Historical term for a personal attendant or close retainer serving a lord or high-ranking samurai. Not used in modern everyday contexts.

近きん習じゅうは主しゅ君くんの身みの回まわりの世せ話わをした。
The attendant took care of his lord's personal needs.

Written forms

近習Usage100%
- きんじゅう
  Standard kanji form; reading きんじゅう is more common in modern usage, though きんじゅ is also valid.
- きんじゅ
  Alternate reading; less common but still encountered.

きんじゅ

Kanji

近near, early, akin
習learn

Similar words

家け来らい
家来 is a broader term for a retainer or vassal, while 近習 specifically refers to a personal attendant in close service.
側そっ近きん
側近 is a more modern term for a close aide or confidant, often used in political or organizational contexts.

Etymology

Compound of 近 (close) and 習 (learn, accustomed), referring to someone who is always near and familiar with their lord's affairs. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.