侍
samurai[sa̠mɯ̟ɾa̠i]
The English phrase 'samurai' is translated into Japanese as 侍. If unsure, use 侍. Wiktionary also lists 武士 (bushi).
Meaning: feudal Japanese warrior (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 侍 | samurai | [sa̠mɯ̟ɾa̠i] (narrow) [sa̠bɯ̟ɾa̠i] (narrow) |
| 武士 | bushi | [bɯ̟ɕi] (narrow) [mo̞no̞no̞ɸɯ̟] (narrow) |
Both terms refer to the feudal Japanese warrior class. While 侍 is the most widely recognized term globally, these words are used to describe the specialized social class of warriors who served high-ranking individuals.
Which one should you use?
侍 is the most common term used globally. In contrast, 武士 is often used in more formal, historical or academic contexts to refer to the warrior class as a whole.
How do you pronounce it?
samurai
Did you know?
- The 'm' in 'samurai' is the result of a linguistic shift in Middle Japanese. The original sound was closer to 'saburai', but the 'b' changed to 'm' due to the development of 'women's language' patterns.
Examples in context
- 武士は食わねど高楊枝。A samurai, even when he has not eaten, uses a toothpick like a lord.The sentence is useful for illustrating a proverb regarding the dignity of a 武士.Tatoeba #84263 by small_snow, translation #319452 by CK
- 俺は侍の道で生きてる。I live by the way of the samurai.The sentence is useful for expressing a commitment to the way of the 侍.Tatoeba #539950 by tamsanh, translation #539952 by tamsanh
- 『うぐいす侍』人間愛とユーモア溢れる侍物語。"The Nightingale Samurai" is a samurai tale full of humanity and humour.The sentence is useful for the title of a story about a 侍.Tatoeba #74329 by fcbond, translation #329391 by fcbond
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are visiting a historical museum together.
- 美咲 Misakiあの侍はとても強そうですね。Ano samurai wa totemo tsuyosou desu ne.That samurai looks very strong, doesn't he?
- 陽太 Yota本当ですね。かっこいいです。Hontou desu ne. Kakkoii desu.Truly. He is cool.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太さんは侍の歴史に興味がありますか？Youta-san wa samurai no rekishi ni kyoumi ga arimasu ka?Youta, are you interested in the history of the samurai?
- 陽太 Yotaはい、昔の日本の文化が好きです。Hai, mukashi no Nihon no bunka ga suki desu.Yes, I like ancient Japanese culture.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “samurai” translations and entries 侍, 武士, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 侍, 武士, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
