忠臣

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 忠臣 is read as ちゅうしん and is a noun for a loyal retainer who remains devoted to a ruler.
• Basic usage: Supporting a king appears in 忠臣が王を支える, while honoring such a person appears in 忠臣をたたえる.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A retainer praised for loyalty
  • It does more than identify a retainer's position; it positively evaluates the person's steadfast loyalty.
• Difference from 家臣
  • 家臣 identifies a retainer serving a lord or house, while 忠臣 emphasizes that retainer's loyal conduct.