noun
personal assistant; attendant; chaperon
Typically refers to someone who assists a performer, athlete (especially sumo wrestler), or public figure with daily tasks, scheduling, and personal needs.
力士の付き人が、タオルと水を用意した。
The sumo wrestler's attendant prepared a towel and water.
彼女は有名歌手の付き人として働
She works as a personal assistant for a famous singer.
マネージャー is a manager who handles business and scheduling, while 付き人 is a more personal attendant who takes care of day-to-day needs.
秘書 is a secretary who handles clerical and administrative tasks, often in an office setting, whereas 付き人 provides more hands-on personal assistance, especially in entertainment or sports.
Compound of 付き (つき, 'attached to') + 人 (ひと, 'person'), with rendaku voicing of ひと to びと. Literally 'a person who is attached to someone'.