'护士' (hù shi) is a compound noun meaning 'nurse' — a healthcare professional who provides patient care, administers medications, monitors vital signs, and assists doctors in hospitals, clinics, or community settings. The first character, 护 (hù), means 'to protect' or 'to guard', reflecting the nurse’s role in safeguarding patients’ well-being. The second character, 士 (shì), historically denotes a scholar, official, or person of virtue and competence; here it elevates the term to signify a skilled, trusted professional.

This word is gender-neutral and used for both male and female nurses in modern Mandarin. It is formal and standard in medical, educational, and everyday contexts — unlike colloquial alternatives like '小护士' (xiǎo hù shi), which is affectionate but informal. Nurses in China typically hold vocational or university degrees and are licensed by health authorities, making '护士' a respectful and precise occupational title.