also: さむらう
yodan verb with 'hu/fu' ending (archaic), intransitive verb
Archaic humble verb used for attending or serving a person of high rank, such as a noble or lord. Found in classical Japanese texts.
In the past, warriors took pride in serving their lord.
yodan verb with 'hu/fu' ending (archaic), intransitive verb
Archaic humble/polite verb for 'to be' or 'to exist', used in classical language. Equivalent to modern ございます in humble contexts.
yodan verb with 'hu/fu' ending (archaic), intransitive verb
Archaic humble verb for movement, 'to go' or 'to come', used when the speaker's action is directed toward a superior. Rare even in classical texts.
auxiliary verb, yodan verb with 'hu/fu' ending (archaic)
polite auxiliary verb
Archaic polite auxiliary verb attached to the -masu stem or -te form of a verb, equivalent to modern ございます or ます. Used to express politeness toward the listener in classical Japanese.
I am waiting. (polite, archaic)
Those who are here merely obey their master's orders.
I intend to go to the capital tomorrow. (humble, archaic)
Archaic kanji spelling; the historical kana spelling さぶらう is the standard reading for this form.
Archaic kanji spelling; also read さぶらう.
Alternate historical reading; less common than さぶらう.
Classical Japanese verb. The historical derivation is uncertain; it is the precursor to modern ございます and the polite auxiliary ます. The kanji 侍 and 候 are conventional associations for the meaning of serving or being in attendance.