Meaning and Usage
The verb 伺候 (cìhou) primarily means 'to serve' or 'to wait upon,' often implying attentive care or service, especially in contexts involving elderly people, patients, or guests. It carries a respectful and sometimes humble tone, highlighting the act of attending to someone's needs.
Common Contexts
伺候 is frequently used when describing caregiving roles, such as nurses attending patients or family members caring for elders. It can also be used in formal or traditional settings to describe serving superiors or guests with respect.
Collocations and Patterns
These collocations emphasize the attentive and respectful nature of the service.
Nuances
While 伺候 generally has a positive connotation of caring service, in some contexts it might sound old-fashioned or imply a hierarchical relationship. It is less commonly used in casual or peer-to-peer service contexts, where verbs like 服务 or 照顾 might be preferred.
Common Confusion
伺候 should not be confused with 观察 (to observe) or 侍候 (an alternative form with similar meaning but more literary tone). Also, avoid using 伺候 casually for everyday service tasks; it implies a more personal or respectful service.