1. Meaning and Usage
The core meaning of the kanji 士 is "samurai," "gentleman," "scholar," or "a person with specialized skills." It refers to a person of status, moral character, and expertise, often with a connotation of service.
Common Readings and Words:
し (shi): The Sino-Japanese reading used in compound words.
武士 (bushi): Samurai, warrior. (武-martial + 士-gentleman/warrior)
士気 (shiki): Morale, fighting spirit. (士-samurai + 気-spirit)
弁護士 (bengoshi): Lawyer. (弁-argue + 護-defend + 士-professional)
博士 (hakase/hakushi): Doctor (Ph.D.), expert. (博-wide + 士-scholar)
2. Correct Stroke Order
Writing 士 correctly is straightforward, but it is crucial to distinguish it from the similar-looking kanji 土 (tsuchi - earth). The key difference is the length of the horizontal strokes.
Total Strokes: 3
Step-by-Step Breakdown:
Stroke 1: The top horizontal stroke (横). This is a short stroke.
Stroke 2: The long vertical stroke (竖). It starts from the top and goes straight down through the center.
Stroke 3: The bottom horizontal stroke (横). This is the longest horizontal stroke, providing a stable base for the character.
Key Point for Correct Writing:
Remember: "Short on top, long on the bottom." This is the opposite of 土 (earth), which has a long top and short bottom.
3. Historical Origins and Etymology (The "Story" Behind the Kanji)
The history of 士 is a great example of an ideographic character (指事文字 shiji moji).
The Origin:
The kanji 士 is a pictograph. Its ancient form depicted a "wooden stake" or an "axe" being driven into the ground.
The Evolution of Meaning:
How did a pictograph of a stake or axe come to mean "samurai" or "gentleman"?
The Tool: The original object was a tool or weapon used for a specific purpose.
The User: The meaning shifted from the tool itself to the person who wields it—a person capable of decisive action.
The Social Class: In ancient Chinese society, this evolved to refer to a class of men who were not peasants but were below the nobility. They were the "men of action"—the warrior class and the administrators who served the state.
The Moral Ideal: Over time, especially with the influence of Confucianism, this class was idealized. A 士 was not just a fighter but a moral exemplar—a "gentleman" who was cultured, righteous, and loyal.
Thus, the character 士 embodies the ideal of a person who is both capable and virtuous, from the samurai's martial prowess to the lawyer's learned expertise.
4. Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences showing the different uses of 士.
As "Samurai" (し):
Romaji: Bushi wa chūsei o omonjita.
English: Samurai valued loyalty.
武士は忠誠を重んじた。
As "Professional" (し):
Romaji: Kare wa yūshū na bengoshi desu.
English: He is an excellent lawyer.
彼は優秀な弁護士です。
As "Morale" (し):
Romaji: Chīmu no shiki ga takai.
English: The team's morale is high.
チームの士気が高い。
Summary
Meaning: Samurai, gentleman, scholar, professional.
Writing: 3 strokes. Remember the stroke order and the key distinction from 土: "Short top, long bottom."
Origin: A pictograph of a "stake" or "axe," representing a tool for decisive action. The meaning evolved from the tool to the person who wields it, eventually symbolizing the ideal of a capable and virtuous person of the warrior or scholarly class.