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.
Historically used to refer to a Buddhist monk, especially in Chinese contexts. In modern Japanese, 僧侶 or 坊さん are more common.
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.
He is a Chinese Taoist priest who performs Taoist rituals.
He is truly a person of such character that he deserves to be called a modern-day sage.
In old texts, 道士 can sometimes refer to a Buddhist monk.
I read a Chinese tale of the strange in which immortals and Taoist wizards appear.
sorcerer; wizard; mage
From Chinese 道士 (dàoshì), originally meaning a practitioner of the Tao (道). The term entered Japanese with multiple layers of meaning, including Taoist priest, Buddhist monk, and virtuous person, reflecting its broad historical usage in Chinese culture.