noun
loyal retainer; righteous samurai
Refers to a samurai known for loyalty and righteousness, especially in historical contexts such as the Forty-seven Rōnin (赤穂義士).
赤穂義士の物語は今も多くの人に愛されている。
The story of the Akō loyal retainers is still loved by many people today.
彼は主君のために命をかけた義士として語り継がれている。
He is remembered as a loyal retainer who risked his life for his lord.
Compound of 義 (righteousness, loyalty) and 士 (samurai, gentleman). The term gained prominence through historical accounts of loyal retainers, particularly the Forty-seven Rōnin.