gentleman, scholar, samurai, samurai radical (no. 33)
士 centers on a man of standing and learning: a gentleman, a scholar, or a samurai. The radical sense is the same character used as a component in other kanji.
士 is thought to derive from a pictograph of a ceremonial axe or a standing figure, later associated with a man of rank or learning.
The shape suggests a person standing upright with arms outstretched, like a gentleman or samurai presenting himself with dignity.
For シ, imagine a gentleman named Shea (シ) who is both a scholar and a samurai: Shea -> シ.
lawyer; attorney
fellow; mutual; companion; comrade
doctor; PhD; Dr.
expert; learned person
soldier; combatant; warrior
(medieval) knight
soldier
gentleman
Mount Fuji; Mt. Fuji; Fujiyama; Fuji-san
samurai; warrior
officer
sumo wrestler; rikishi
accountant
professional shogi player; professional go player
fighter (for); militant; champion (of); boxer
master's (degree)
swordsman; swordswoman; fencer
brave warrior; hero; brave man
morale (of troops, team, etc.); esprit de corps
tax counsellor; tax counselor; licensed tax accountant
dietitian; (licensed) nutritionist
university graduate; bachelor
parliamentarian; member of a congress
distinguished citizen; patriot
master's course
certified public accountant
astronaut
authorized architect and builder; licensed architect; registered architect
dental hygienist
weather forecaster
gentlemen's agreement
(professional) driver (of a taxi, train, etc.); motorman
pilot