士
gentleman, scholar, samurai, samurai radical (no. 33)
Readings
On'yomi
- シ
Kun'yomi
- さむらい
Nanori
- お
- ま
Meaning
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.
Most common words using 士
24 of 402- 弁護士べんごしN4
lawyer; attorney
- 同士どうしN2
fellow; mutual; companion; comrade
- 博士はかせN3
expert; learned person
- 博士はくしN1
doctor; PhD; Dr.
- 戦士せんし
soldier; combatant; warrior
- 騎士きし
(medieval) knight
- 兵士へいしN1
soldier
- 紳士しんしN1
gentleman
- 富士山ふじさんN5
Mount Fuji; Mt. Fuji; Fujiyama; Fuji-san
- 武士ぶしN2
samurai; warrior
- 士官しかん
officer
- 力士りきし
sumo wrestler; rikishi
- 会計士かいけいしN2
accountant
- 棋士きし
professional shogi player; professional go player
- 闘士とうし
fighter (for); militant; champion (of); boxer
- 修士しゅうしN1
master's (degree)
- 剣士けんし
swordsman; swordswoman; fencer
- 勇士ゆうし
brave warrior; hero; brave man
- 士気しき
morale (of troops, team, etc.); esprit de corps
- 税理士ぜいりしN1
tax counsellor; tax counselor; licensed tax accountant
- 栄養士えいようし
dietitian; (licensed) nutritionist
- 学士がくしN1
university graduate; bachelor
- 代議士だいぎしN1
parliamentarian; member of a congress
- 国士こくし
distinguished citizen; patriot
Study
Etymology
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.
Meaning mnemonic
The shape suggests a person standing upright with arms outstretched, like a gentleman or samurai presenting himself with dignity.
Reading mnemonic
For シ, imagine a gentleman named Shea (シ) who is both a scholar and a samurai: Shea -> シ.