Japanese symbol for “patriots”
志士
しし
Romaji: shishi
imperial loyalist samurai of the Bakumatsu-era
In Japanese, patriots is 志士, read しし (shishi).
Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.
Meanings
- n imperial loyalist samurai of the Bakumatsu-era
- n patriots; idealists willing to sacrifice themselves for the good of the nation
Kanji and stroke order
Related words
Words that share a kanji.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 意志 | いし ishi | will; volition; intention |
| 同志 | どうし doushi | like-mindedness; (being of the) same mind; shared sentiment |
| 志向 | しこう shikou | intention; aim; preference (for) |
| 志願 | しがん shigan | aspiration; volunteering; desire |
| 志望 | しぼう shibou | wish; desire; ambition |
| 有志 | ゆうし yuushi | interested person; volunteer; supporter |
| 弁護士 | べんごし bengoshi | lawyer; attorney |
| 同士 | どうし doushi | fellow; mutual; companion |
Data: JMdict (CC BY-SA 4.0); KANJIDIC2 (CC BY-SA 4.0); KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0); wordfreq (CC BY-SA 4.0 (data)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.