noun
Taoist; Daoist
A practitioner or follower of Taoism (Daoism). This is the primary modern meaning.
彼は中国の道士で、道教の儀式を執り行う。
He is a Chinese Taoist priest who performs Taoist rituals.
noun
person of high morals; virtuous person
A person of outstanding moral character; a sage-like figure. This usage is somewhat literary and less common in everyday speech.
彼はまさに現代の道士と呼ぶにふさわしい人格者だ。
He is truly a person of such character that he deserves to be called a modern-day sage.
noun
Historically used to refer to a Buddhist monk, especially in Chinese contexts. In modern Japanese, 僧侶 or 坊さん are more common.
古い文献では、道士が仏教の僧を指すこともある。
In old texts, 道士 can sometimes refer to a Buddhist monk.
noun
immortal mountain wizard; Taoist immortal
A legendary figure from Chinese folklore and Taoist mythology, often depicted as a hermit with supernatural powers living in the mountains. This sense is closely tied to traditional Chinese stories.
仙人や道士が登場する中国の伝奇小説を読んだ。
I read a Chinese tale of the strange in which immortals and Taoist wizards appear.