also: じゅしゃ
Refers to a person who accompanies and serves a master or superior, often in a historical or formal context. Can be a personal servant, valet, or retainer.
He became a knight's attendant while still young.
He accompanied the king on his journey as an attendant.
He served as a retainer to a nobleman.
The king left the castle accompanied by his attendants.
The boy served as an attendant to the noble.
付き人 is the modern, casual term for a personal assistant (e.g. of a celebrity or athlete), whereas 従者 carries a historical or formal tone.
側近 emphasizes a close aide with influence and access to a powerful figure, while 従者 focuses on the role of accompanying and serving.
侍従 is a formal title for an attendant serving an emperor or noble household, a narrower and more official use than the general 従者.
従業員 means a regular paid employee at a company, whereas 従者 is a personal attendant who accompanies a specific master, despite sharing the kanji 従.
full-time worker dedicated to one role; full-time union official
Standard kanji spelling; the reading じゅうしゃ is the most common.
Alternate reading; less common than じゅうしゃ.
Compound of 従 (follow, obey) and 者 (person). The reading じゅうしゃ is the standard on'yomi, while じゅしゃ is a less common variant.