As Inazo Nitobe defines it: Bushido means literally the military-knight ways - the ways which fighting nobles should observe in their daily life as well as in their vocation; in a word, the precepts of knighthood.
What characterized these samurai and supported their action and knowledge of right and wrong is what we now popularly call the bushido code or the seven virtues of bushido. Some of the virtues such as benevolence, politeness and truthfulness are inspired by the teachings of Confucius and Mencius. In his chapter on the Sources of Bushido Inazo Nitobe mentions that the writings of these Chinese philosophers were the principal text-books for the youth and the highest authority of discussion among the old.
1. GI - Right Action, DutyGi has two parts: the upper part represents a sheep, which was the symbol of beauty in ancient China and the lower part is the character for I, with a strong slanting stroke on the left which represents a halberd. The character could be explained as understanding (sheep) after conflict (halberd). 
Gi is to do the right thing.
Gi is to do the right thing.
2. YUUKI - CourageYuuki has two kanji. The first is yuu, which means courageous, with the important component of chikara, the symbol for strength.
The second kanji is ki or energy.
The second kanji is ki or energy.
Yuuki means brave, courageous energy.
3. JIN - BenevolenceJin has two parts: on the left side stands the character for human, and on the right there are two horizontal strokes which represent the number two. Jin is one of the most fundamental virtues of Confucianism, which could be defined as to treat each other with tenderness, to love each other. 
Jin is the benevolence that unites each human being to the other.
Jin is the benevolence that unites each human being to the other.
4. REI - Politeness or MoralityThe kanji for rei is a modern abbreviated form, which does not reveal very much of the ancient character. The ancient symbol shows a sacrificing vessel that evokes the rites and ceremonies conducted for worshipping and offerings. The character actually means rite or ceremony but in a broader sense it means respect.
Rei too is essential to Confucianism: In society rei governs your actions towards others, a fundamental politeness, very much related to jin.
It is often translated with morality, but as morality has other connotations I suggest politeness.
Rei too is essential to Confucianism: In society rei governs your actions towards others, a fundamental politeness, very much related to jin.
It is often translated with morality, but as morality has other connotations I suggest politeness.
Rei is politeness, respect shown in social behavior.
5. MAKOTO - TruthfulnessThe kanji for makoto is composed of two parts: at the left stands the character for to speak, a mouth that produces words. At the right stands the character sei, which means to accomplish, to succeed.
Makoto means truth in word and action, to follow truly the Law of the Universe.
6. MEIYO - HonorMeiyo has two kanji. The first is mei, which means reputation, with the symbol of mouth below. The second kanji is yo, which means to praise or to admire, which has the component of to say.
Meiyo is to enjoy a good reputation, honor.
7. CHUUGI - Loyalty
Chuugi has two characters. The first one is chuu which means to be sincere or loyal. This character expresses very well the true meaning of loyalty. We see a heart and on top of it the symbol for middle. Chuu could be understood as no conflict in the heart, faithful to what is felt in the heart. The second kanji is gi, which means right action or duty. 
Chuugi is to act faithfully, to be loyal. "
Chuugi is to act faithfully, to be loyal. "
