also: さむらう
yodan verb with 'hu/fu' ending (archaic), intransitive verb
Archaic humble verb used for attending or serving a person of high rank, such as a noble or lord. Found in classical Japanese texts.
昔、武士は主君に侍ふことを誇りとした。
In the past, warriors took pride in serving their lord.
yodan verb with 'hu/fu' ending (archaic), intransitive verb
Archaic humble/polite verb for 'to be' or 'to exist', used in classical language. Equivalent to modern ございます in humble contexts.
ここに侍ふ者は、主の命に従うのみ。
Those who are here merely obey their master's orders.
yodan verb with 'hu/fu' ending (archaic), intransitive verb
Archaic humble verb for movement, 'to go' or 'to come', used when the speaker's action is directed toward a superior. Rare even in classical texts.
明日、都へ侍ふ所存にございます。
I intend to go to the capital tomorrow. (humble, archaic)
auxiliary verb, yodan verb with 'hu/fu' ending (archaic)
polite auxiliary verb
Archaic polite auxiliary verb attached to the -masu stem or -te form of a verb, equivalent to modern ございます or ます. Used to express politeness toward the listener in classical Japanese.
お待ち侍ふ。
I am waiting. (polite, archaic)
Archaic kanji spelling; also read さぶらう.
Alternate historical reading; less common than さぶらう.
Classical Japanese verb. The historical derivation is uncertain; it is the precursor to modern ございます and the polite auxiliary ます. The kanji 侍 and 候 are conventional associations for the meaning of serving or being in attendance.