What is the Kanji for 'Servant' and 'Retainer'? | 臣

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Servant' and 'Retainer', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Servant' and 'Retainer' is 臣.

kanji

臣

Meaning

Servant, Retainer

Reading

onyomiじん

jin

しん

shin

Example Word

家臣: retainer. The Japanese noun '家臣 (かしん)' refers to a 'retainer', specifically a vassal or samurai who served a feudal lord in historical Japan. This term is deeply rooted in the feudal system and is often used in historical or literary contexts. For example: The retainer served his lord faithfully「家臣は主君に忠実に仕えた」(かしんはしゅくんにちゅうじつにつかえた). The lord rewarded his retainers generously「主君は家臣たちに寛大に報いた」(しゅくんはかしんたちにかんだいにむくいた). The term emphasizes loyalty and service within the hierarchical structure of feudal Japan.

Radical

臣

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

864

Handwriting

臣 As Part Of Other Kanji

This kanji appears as part of 5 other kanji:

kanji

監

Meaning

Oversee

kanji

蔵

Meaning

Storehouse

kanji

臨

Meaning

Face, Confront

kanji

覧

Meaning

Look, Perusal

kanji

姫

Meaning

Princess

Words Using 臣

This kanji is used in 3 words:

word

大臣

Meaning

Minister

word

家臣

Meaning

Retainer

word

総理大臣

Meaning

Prime Minister

Learn the Kanji 臣

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 臣 mean?

臣 means 'Servant' and 'Retainer'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Fourth Grade, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N2 exam.

To help you master this kanji, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.