伺Tone 4

cì ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 亻

伺 · cì

to wait upon;

to serve;

to attend;

to observe;

to watch for an opportunity

to wait uponto serveto attend

Usage highlights

to wait uponto watch for an opportunityto observeto spyto lie in waitto serve

Synonyms

伺候— to wait upon; to serve
侍候— to attend; to wait upon
服侍— to serve; to attend

Antonyms

命令— to command; to order
支配— to control; to dominate

Usage & contexts

Examples

He serves the elderly (伺候老人).
The cat watches for the mouse (伺机而动).
She attends to the guests (伺候客人).
They are observing the enemy's movements (伺察敌情).

Collocations

to wait upon(伺候)
to watch for an opportunity(伺机)
to observe(伺察)
to spy(伺探)
to lie in wait(伺伏)
to serve(伺奉)

Idioms

To watch for an opportunity to act(伺机而动)
To wait for the right moment(伺机而发)
To observe and wait(伺隙而动)
To wait for a chance to strike(伺机报复)

Cultural background

Originally depicted a person standing by to serve, reflecting hierarchical social structures.
In modern usage, often carries connotations of careful observation and strategic waiting.
Commonly used in contexts involving service, surveillance, or tactical planning.

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