'伺候' (cì hòu) is a verb meaning to attend to or serve someone, especially in a respectful, dutiful, or subservient manner. The first character 伺 (cì) originally means 'to wait for an opportunity' or 'to watch closely', while 候 (hòu) means 'to wait' or 'to greet respectfully'. Together, they convey the idea of attentively waiting on someone’s needs—often implying care, deference, and readiness to respond immediately. It's commonly used in contexts involving service to elders, superiors, or guests, and carries subtle connotations of hierarchy and propriety.

This word appears frequently in historical dramas and classical literature, but remains in modern use—especially in family or formal service settings. While neutral in grammar, it often implies a power or status difference: the person being 伺候'd is typically older, higher-ranking, or more esteemed. It's rarely used for peers or casual situations, and never for inanimate objects or animals—unlike English 'serve', which is broader.