Translation guide
The warrior class of pre-modern Japan, known for their code of honor and martial skills. In modern contexts, often used to refer to historical figures, cultural symbols, or metaphorically for someone with a strong sense of duty.
Referring to a member of the Japanese warrior class from the feudal era.
The standard term for a samurai. Used in historical and cultural contexts.
彼は侍の家系だ。
He comes from a samurai family.
侍は刀を帯びていた。
Samurai carried swords.
A more formal or literary term for a warrior/samurai, emphasizing the martial aspect.
武士道は武士の倫理規範だ。
Bushido is the ethical code of the samurai.
Referring to the ideals, spirit, or cultural image of the samurai, often in modern contexts.
Used metaphorically to evoke the samurai spirit, loyalty, or honor.
彼は侍のような精神を持っている。
He has a samurai-like spirit.
Literally 'samurai soul', referring to the indomitable spirit or ethos of a samurai.
侍魂を忘れるな。
Don't forget the samurai spirit.
Describing someone who is loyal, disciplined, or dedicated like a samurai, often in business or sports.
A 'company samurai', referring to a fiercely loyal employee, sometimes with a negative connotation of blind obedience.
彼は会社の侍だと言われている。
He's said to be a company samurai.
A humorous term blending 'salaryman' and 'samurai', for a dedicated office worker.
彼はサラリーマン侍のように働く。
He works like a salaryman samurai.
The word 'samurai' specifically refers to the historical Japanese warrior class. Do not use it to translate 'soldier' or 'warrior' in modern military contexts. Use 兵士 (へいし) for soldier.