A member of the historical warrior class in Japan, who served a feudal lord and was skilled in martial arts, embodying a code of honor and loyalty to their lord.
An individual characterized by a distinct ethical awareness developed within the samurai hierarchy, often placing loyalty and duty above personal safety and choices.
A combatant who exhibits compassion by offering assistance to weaker opponents rather than engaging in battle, reflecting a nuanced approach to honor and strength.
A person born into a lineage of military leaders, recognized for their military prowess and responsibilities in warfare and governance, especially significant during Japan's feudal era.
Example:
武士は食わねど高楊枝。
A moral and ethical framework that emerged among the samurai class in Japan, characterized by principles of loyalty to one's lord, self-sacrifice, politeness, simplicity, frugality, and martial prowess, evolving from the Kamakura period through the Edo period and later emphasized as a national ethic during the Meiji Restoration.
An intricate system of values that dictates the conduct of the samurai, promoting unwavering loyalty, a strong sense of honor, and compassion, which compels them to show bravery in battle while extending mercy toward the weak.
A unique ethical consciousness developed within the samurai class, underscoring the importance of placing duty to one's lord above personal safety and valuing trustworthiness and integrity in all relationships.
A seasoned warrior or soldier who possesses extensive combat experience and skill, often associated with age and wisdom in battle tactics.
An individual who has gained expertise and proficiency in a particular field through years of experience, reflecting a high level of competence and mastery.
A model of chivalry and bushido, exemplifying the ideal virtues and conduct of a samurai.
An archetype of loyalty, honor, and bravery, serving as a standard for other warriors to aspire to.
A representative figure embodying the principles and ethics that define the samurai way of life.
A collective of samurai that emerged during the late ancient to medieval periods, initially organized under a central leader from prominent clans like the Taira or Minamoto, which later evolved into a more localized group based on geographic ties after the Nanboku-chō period.
A social and military organization of warriors, often characterized by loyalty to a chief, which existed from the late ancient to medieval Japan, and underwent transformations in structure and allegiance leading to its dissolution amid the rise of powerful feudal lords.
A faction of warriors formed from interrelated or allied families, typically recognizing a noble lineage, which played a significant role in the power dynamics of feudal Japan, adapting to the changing political landscape over several centuries.