1.
patriot; committed activist; man of high purpose
A person who devotes himself to a great cause, especially to his country. Most often used of the activists of the Bakumatsu period who worked to overthrow the shogunate.
Literally "a man of resolve" (志, aspiration + 士, samurai, gentleman). The word carries strong admiration and is used almost only in historical contexts.
Common expressions
- 幕末の志士: the activists of the late shogunate
- 維新の志士: the patriots of the Meiji Restoration
- 勤王の志士: loyalists to the emperor
Usage
Not used of present-day activists, who are 活動家; calling someone a 志士 today sounds grand or tongue-in-cheek.