The Chinese word 跟班 (gēnbān) is a compound noun formed through a straightforward semantic combination: the first character 跟 (gēn) means "to follow" and the second character 班 (bān) in this context refers to a "shift", "duty roster", or "group" (as in a work or class unit). Literally, it describes someone who "follows the shift" or is attached to a particular group, historically referring to a servant or attendant who accompanied an official. Over time, its meaning evolved into a colloquial term for a subordinate or lackey who closely follows and assists a superior, often carrying a slightly derogatory connotation of uncritical adherence.