samurái
“samurái” means “samurai” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
samurai
Also: warrior
📝 In Action
El samurái siempre llevaba su espada larga.
B1The samurai always carried his long sword.
Aprendimos sobre el código de honor de los samuráis.
B1We learned about the samurai's code of honor.
Había mujeres samurái que defendían sus hogares con valentía.
B2There were female samurai who defended their homes with bravery.
stoic person
Also: lone wolf
📝 In Action
Mi jefe es un samurái; nunca pierde la calma en las reuniones.
C1My boss is a samurai; he never loses his cool in meetings.
Para terminar este proyecto a tiempo, tienes que ser un samurái del estudio.
C1To finish this project on time, you have to be a study samurai.
Ella enfrentó la enfermedad como una samurái.
C2She faced the illness like a warrior (samurai).
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: samurái
Question 1 of 3
What is the correct plural form of 'samurái'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Japanese word 'samurai', which comes from the verb 'saburau', meaning 'to serve'. It refers to those who served the nobility as armed guards.
First recorded: 19th century (in Spanish literature and travel logs)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does samurái always have an accent?
Yes! In Spanish, the accent on the 'á' is mandatory to show that the stress is on that syllable. Without it, the word would be pronounced differently.
Is 'samurái' used for modern people?
Yes, figuratively. It describes someone very disciplined, stoic, or focused, similar to how we might use 'warrior' in English.
Is there a difference between 'samurái' and 'ronin'?
Yes. A 'samurái' serves a master, while a 'ronin' is a samurai who has lost his master and wanders independently.