Chinese · Titles & Forms of Address
侍卫侍衛
shìwèi
Also written: shiwei; palace guard; imperial guard; personal guard; bodyguard
A guard or armed attendant assigned to protect a ruler, royal household, official, residence, or other high-status person.
Literal meaning
attendant guard
Cultural context
The exact office and rank varied historically. In dramas, shìwèi often identifies trusted palace or household guards who combine security duties with access to politically sensitive spaces.
How dramas use it
A shìwèi escorts royal characters, delivers urgent reports, controls entry, investigates threats, protects an escape, or becomes the one guard who knows too much.
Usage & formality
Depending on the setting, translate it as guard, palace guard, imperial guard, personal guard, or bodyguard rather than assuming one universal office.