The Way of the Samurai

The Code of the Samurai

Sometimes called “The Seven Virtues of the Samurai" or “The Bushido Code".

In Chinese it would be defined as “The Way of the Warrior" or “The Warrior's Code".

It's a set of virtues that the Samurai of Japan and ancient warriors of China had to live and die by.

See Also...  Warrior

This is about doing the right thing or making the right decision, not because it's easy, but because it's ethically and morally correct.
No matter the outcome or result, one does not lose face if tempering proper justice.

This character can also be defined as righteousness, justice, morality, honor, or "right conduct". Occasionally, I have seen it translated as loyalty or patriotism.

This is also one of the five tenets of Confucius doctrine.

See Also...  Judgement | Impartial

This character can be translated as bravery or courage in Chinese, Japanese and Korean. This is the simplest form to express courage or bravery, as there is also a two character form which starts with this same character.

This character can also be translated as brave, daring, plucky or heroic.

Beyond "benevolence" word can be also be defined as "charity" or "mercy" depending on usage.

The meaning suggests that one should pay alms to the poor, care for those in trouble, and take care of his fellow man (or woman).

This is one of the five tenets of Confucius. In fact, it is a subject in which Confucius spent a great deal of time explaining to his disciples.

I have also seen this benevolent-related word translated as perfect virtue, selflessness, love for humanity, humaneness, goodness, good will, or simply "love" in the non-romantic form.

See Also...  Love | Altruism | Kindness | Charity | Brotherhood

We show respect by speaking and acting with courtesy. We treat others with dignity and honor the rules of our family, school and nation. Respect yourself, and others will respect you.

This is also one of the five tenets of Confucius.

This character can also be translated as propriety, good manners, politeness, rite, worship or an expression of gratitude.

Please note that Japanese use a simplified version of the character for respect - it also happens to be the same simplification used in mainland China. Click on the character to the right if you want the Traditional Chinese version.

This character means truth, faith, fidelity, sincerity, trust and/or confidence.

See Also...  Sincerity | Sincere

This version of honor is about having or earning the respect of others and about your reputation. It is the status of being worthy of honor (not to be confused with doing honorable things or specific actions - see our other "honor" listing for that).

Both modern Japanese and modern mainland Chinese use the same simplified version of the second character of honor. We will automatically use the simplified version shown to the left, unless you make a special request for the traditional second character as shown to the right (just click on that character to order the traditional Chinese version). Before WWII, both Japan and China used the traditional form, but modern Japanese and Chinese are more likely to identify this simplified form. Koreans still use the traditional form when they are not writing in their modern Hangul glyphs.

See Also...  Integrity | Respect

This is the Japanese way to write "Loyalty" - it also contains the ideas of "being faithful and true".

The second character is a modified form only used in the Japanese lexicon, however, Chinese speakers can easily guess the meaning.

This is the simplest way to write wisdom in Chinese, Korean and Japanese. Being a single character, the meaning is open to interpretation, and can also mean intellect or reason.

This character is also one of the five tenets of Confucius.

This character is sometimes included in the Bushido code, but usually not considered part of the seven key concepts of the code.

See Also...  Wisdom | Learn From Wisdom

This is another character that expresses the idea of honesty. It can also mean truth, faith, believe in, fidelity, sincerity, trust and/or confidence.

Some have included this in the list for the Bushido, although "makoto" is probably a more common/popular.

Note: In some context, this character can mean letter; news or envoy. However, alone, it will generally be read with the honesty-meaning.

See Also...  Loyalty

This character represents filial piety. Some will define this in more common English as "respect for your parents and ancestors".

This is a subject deeply emphasized by the ancient philosophy and teachings of Confucius.

Some have included this in the list for the Bushido, although generally not considered part of the 7 core virtues of the warrior.

Note: This character is not the best of meanings when seen along as a single character. Some will read the single character form to mean "missing my dead ancestors". However, when written at part of Confucian tenets, or in the two-character word that means filial piety, the meaning is better or read differently (context is important for this character).

We suggest one of our other two-character filial piety entries instead of this one.

See Also...  Filial Piety