紳士
shinshi[ɕĩɰ̃ɕi]
The English phrase "gentlemen" is translated into Japanese as 紳士 (shinshi).
How do you pronounce it?
shinshi
Did you know?
- In some modern internet subcultures or niche contexts, the word 紳士 can be used ironically to describe someone with 'perverted' or highly eccentric tastes.
- The concept of a 紳士 is heavily influenced by Western notions of chivalry, rather than traditional Japanese ideals of the samurai.
- The first character in 紳士 refers to the silk threads used in the waistband of ancient formal robes.
Examples in context
- 彼は紳士の中の紳士だ。He is a gentleman among gentlemen.Tatoeba #1276664 by bunbuku, translation #1276667 by CK
- ２人の紳士があなたを待ち続けています。Two gentlemen have been waiting to see you.Tatoeba #235448 by e4zh1nmcz, translation #72826 by CK
- グレートブリテンは紳士と乗馬の国です。Great Britain is a land of gentlemen and horse riding.Tatoeba #74824 by fcbond, translation #328895 by fcbond
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are talking about a coworker's polite behavior.
- 結衣 Yui彼は本当に紳士的な振る舞いをしますね。Kare wa hontō ni shinshiteki na furumai o shimasu ne.He really behaves like a gentleman, doesn't he?
- 蓮 Renはい、彼はとても紳士です。Hai, kare wa totemo shinshi desu.Yes, he is a true gentleman.
- 結衣 Yui蓮さんも、いつかそんな紳士になりたいですか？Ren-san mo, itsuka sonna shinshi ni naritai desu ka?Ren, do you want to be a gentleman like that someday too?
- 蓮 Renええ、努力します。Ee, doryoku shimasu.Yes, I will try my best.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 紳士, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
