Japanese word

紳士

Pronunciation

Romajishinshi

Meaning

  • noungentleman

Example

その紳士は静かに待っています。so no shin shi wa shizu ka ni ma tte i ma su

That gentleman is waiting quietly.

Illustration for 紳士 (gentleman)

More examples

彼は困っている人に席を譲る紳士です。kare wa koma tte i ru hito ni seki o yuzu ru shin shi de su

He is a gentleman who gives up his seat to people in need.

Core concept

Describes a man recognized for refined manners and respectful behavior rather than merely for his age or social position.

Common phrases

  • 紳士として振る舞うshin shi to shi te fu ru ma u

    behave like a gentleman

  • 紳士の礼儀shin shi no rei gi

    a gentleman's manners

Similar words

男性dansei: A man identified by his sex rather than by his manners or social position.
男otoko: A general word for a male person that is common in everyday speech.
殿方tonogata: A respectful term used to refer to a man or men.

Definition in Japanese

身なりや振る舞いが上品で、他人に礼儀正しく接する男性。mi na ri ya fu ru ma i ga jō hin de ta nin ni rei gi tada shi ku ses su ru dan sei

Word origin

紳士 (shinshi) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 紳 (shin, "an official's broad sash") and 士 (shi, "a person of standing"), both associated with status and decorum.

Usage tips

  • The phrase ladies and gentlemen remains a common formal way to address an audience, linking gentleman with public courtesy rather than private friendship.

Related words

  • 紳士的shinshitekigentlemanlyna-adjective
  • 紳士らしさshinshirashisagentlemanlinessnoun

Word lists with this word