noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
live-in domestic service; live-in apprenticeship
Historical term for a system where a young person lived and worked in a master's household, often to learn a trade or serve. Now mainly used in historical or period contexts.
江戸時代には、多くの若者が商家に奉公に出た。
In the Edo period, many young people went into live-in service at merchant houses.
彼は幼い頃から大工の家に奉公して技術を身につけた。
From a young age, he lived and worked at a carpenter's house and acquired the skills.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
public duty; public service
Refers to serving the public or the state, often with a sense of selfless dedication. Can be used in modern contexts for government or community service.
彼は生涯を教育に奉公した。
He devoted his life to public service in education.
公務員として奉公の精神を持つことが大切だ。
As a public servant, it is important to have a spirit of public duty.