Only when written 子分
Archaic meaning; in historical contexts, 子分 could refer to an adopted child, but this usage is no longer current.
When he was young, he became that boss's henchman.
He is a loyal henchman to the yakuza boss.
The underlings obeyed the boss's orders.
In Edo-period documents, 子分 can mean an adopted child.
The boss took the skilled young man on as his follower.
That man commanded many henchmen.
手下 also means underling or henchman but is more general, whereas 子分 specifically implies a follower within a gang or yakuza-style hierarchy.
部下 refers to a subordinate in a company or official organization, while 子分 is used for followers in gangs or informal power hierarchies.
家来 is a feudal-era retainer serving a lord, whereas 子分 is a more modern, informal term for a gang follower.
子分 names a loyal follower or gang subordinate, whereas 手先 emphasizes being manipulated like a puppet by a hidden controller.
子分 refers to a gang member's junior follower and can be used neutrally or even affectionately, while ポチ is always contemptuous.
boss and henchmen; boss and underlings
Standard modern spelling for both senses; the archaic sense is also written with this form.
Rare alternative spelling; not commonly used in modern Japanese.
Rare alternative spelling; not commonly used in modern Japanese.
Compound of 子 (child) and 分 (portion, part), originally referring to a child's share or status, later extended to mean a subordinate member of a group.