man of honor; gentleman; person of high standing
Refers to a man who is respected, often with a sense of dignity or moral character. Can be used in formal or literary contexts.
Historical term for a samurai, often used in compound words or classical contexts. Cross-referenced with 侍.
See also: 侍
licensed professional; person with a qualification
Suffix attached to professions or roles, especially those requiring a license or certification, e.g., 弁護士 (lawyer), 会計士 (accountant).
She is aiming to become a lawyer.
He is respected as a true gentleman.
The samurai swore loyalty to his lord.
It is difficult to obtain a certified public accountant qualification.
紳士 refers to a modern, well-mannered gentleman, whereas 士 carries a more traditional or classical sense of a man of honor.
士 attaches to words for licensed or formally certified professions (弁護士, 栄養士), whereas 家 attaches more broadly to fields of pursuit or talent (画家, 政治家) without requiring a license.
士 (a warrior, gentleman, or professional) is read the same as 史 but refers to a person, not to 'history'.
士 and 師 share the reading し and both appear as professional suffixes (弁護士 vs 医師), but 士 marks a qualified specialist or warrior-class figure while 師 marks a teacher or master figure.
士 (as in 学士, 弁護士) is pronounced し just like 四 but means a professional or scholar, not the number.
From Middle Chinese 士 (dzriX). The character originally depicted a battle-axe and came to mean 'warrior' or 'gentleman'. In Japanese, it retains these meanings and also developed the suffix usage for professionals.
sumo wrestler; rikishi · strong man; man of great strength · Deva king; guardian deity
accountant
professional shogi player; professional go player
fighter; militant; champion
master's degree; master's
swordsman; swordswoman; fencer
brave warrior; hero; brave man
morale; esprit de corps
licensed tax accountant; tax counselor
dietitian; nutritionist
university graduate; bachelor · bachelor's degree
parliamentarian; member of a congress; Diet member
celebrity; notable figure; personage
tactician; schemer; resourceful person
distinguished citizen; patriot
ronin; lordless samurai
chivalry; samurai code
upright person; patriot; hero
mutual enemies; people who are enemies with each other
seaman
loyal retainer; righteous samurai