Some Naishi no suke served as the secretary in the daily life of the Emperor (vestal court ladies), others served as the concubines who receive the total favor of the Emperor and bear princes and princesses.
典侍は天皇の日常生活における秘書的役割を勤める者（お清の女官）と、同じ典侍でも天皇の寵愛を一身に受け、皇子女を生む側室の役割を持つ者がいた。