Translation and Meaning of: 侍 - samurai

The Japanese word 侍[さむらい] carries a historical and cultural weight that goes beyond its simple translation as "samurai." In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in Japan today. If you are learning Japanese or just curious about samurai culture, understanding this word is essential. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide accurate and useful information for those who want to dive into the language.

Meaning and Origin of the Word 侍

The term 侍[さむらい] refers to the warriors of the military class who dominated Japan for centuries. Originally, the word comes from the verb 侍ふ[さぶらふ], which meant "to serve" or "to be beside." Over time, it came to specifically designate the members of the warrior elite, especially during the Heian and Edo periods.

The kanji 侍 is composed of two elements: the radical 人 (person) and 寺 (temple). This combination suggests the idea of someone who serves in an important context, reflecting the role of samurai as servants of their feudal lords. It is worth noting that, despite the association with temples, the current meaning has no direct connection to religion.

Modern and Cultural Use

Nowadays, 侍[さむらい] is not a word frequently used in daily life, but it appears in historical contexts, films, and discussions about Japanese culture. It evokes values such as honor, discipline, and loyalty, which are still respected in modern Japan. In companies, for example, the expression "corporate samurai" is sometimes used to describe extremely dedicated employees.

In media such as animes and games, the figure of the samurai is often romanticized, but it's important to remember that the historical reality was more complex. The word also appears in expressions like 侍精神[さむらいせいしん] (samurai spirit), used to describe courageous and ethical attitudes. However, its use outside of these contexts can sound outdated or even cliché.

Tips for Memorizing and Using Correctly

For those learning Japanese, an effective way to memorize 侍[さむらい] is to associate it with iconic images of samurai, such as their swords (刀[かたな]) and armor. The pronunciation "samurai" is known worldwide, which makes it easier to recognize the word. However, it's important to note that in Japanese, the "u" is almost silent, sounding more like "samrai".

A useful fact is that, although 侍 is the most common writing, it sometimes appears in katakana (サムライ) in modern or stylized contexts. This happens especially in brands, product names, or when one wants to give a cooler tone to the word. However, in formal or historical texts, the kanji is still predominant.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 武士 (Bushi) - Warrior or samurai, a class of warriors in feudal Japan.
• さむらい (Samurai) - Term used to designate a warrior, often referring to the class that served feudal lords.
• 剣士 (Kenshi) - Swordmaster, a specialist in sword combat.
• 武者 (Musha) - Warrior, a term that can refer to any combatant in Japanese history.
• 侍者 (Jisha) - Those who serve as samurais, focusing primarily on service positions.
• 侍人 (Shimijin) - A less common way to refer to a samurai or someone who performs samurai functions.
• 侍女 (Jijo) - Chambermaid or lady-in-waiting, often a woman who served a lady of high status.
• 侍衛 (Jiei) - Guard or henchman, often associated with the protection of an important figure.
• 侍医 (Jii) - Samurai doctor, someone who took care of the warrior's health.
• 侍従 (Jijū) - Assistant or server, especially in a context of care for royalty.

侍

Romaji: samurai
Kana: さむらい
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Samurai; warrior

Meaning in English: Samurai;warrior

Definition: A group of samurais who united the common people after the Heian period.

Example Sentences - (侍) samurai

See below some example sentences:

七人の侍

Shichinin no samurai

the seven samurai

seven samurai

• 七 (shichi/nana) - means "seven" in Japanese
• 人 (hito) - means "person" in Japanese
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 侍 (samurai) - means "samurai" in Japanese, a warrior of the Japanese military class

侍は勇敢で忠実な戦士です。

Samurai wa yuukan de chuujitsu na senshi desu

Samurai is a brave and faithful warrior.

• 侍 - samurai
• は - partícula que indica o tópico da frase
• 勇敢 - brave
• で - conjunction meaning "and" or "with"
• 忠実 - loyal
• な - attributive form of the copula "to be"
• 戦士 - warrior
• です - to be" copula