Meaning
服从 means to obey or follow orders, commands, or rules from authority figures or systems. It emphasizes compliance and submission to someone or something with greater power or authority. The word is commonly used in military, organizational, and hierarchical contexts.
Usage
服从 is relatively formal and often appears in official, military, or workplace contexts. It emphasizes duty-bound obedience rather than voluntary agreement. Common patterns include 服从命令 (obey orders), 服从安排 (comply with arrangements), and 服从领导 (obey leadership). It carries a more serious, institutional tone than casual words like 听话.
Examples
- 01军人必须服从命令。.Soldiers must obey orders.
- 02我们应该服从公司的规章制度。.We should comply with the company's rules and regulations.
Characters
Common collocations
- 服从命令obey orders
- 服从安排comply with arrangements
- 服从领导obey leadership
- 服从管理submit to management
Antonyms
Origin
The character 服 originally meant to submit or yield, while 从 means to follow. Together they reinforce the concept of following and submitting to authority or commands.