骑士 (qí shì) literally combines 骑 (qí), meaning 'to ride', and 士 (shì), meaning 'scholar', 'gentleman', or 'warrior'. Historically, it refers to a mounted warrior in medieval Europe — a knight — emphasizing chivalry, honor, and combat skill on horseback. In modern Chinese, the term retains this historical sense but is also used more broadly for anyone who rides a horse, bicycle, or even a motorcycle, especially in formal or literary contexts.

The word carries strong cultural connotations: it evokes ideals of bravery, loyalty, and nobility, often appearing in literature, films, and games. While 骑士 can technically mean 'rider' in neutral contexts (e.g., a cyclist), it’s rarely used for everyday riders — words like 骑手 (qíshǒu) or 骑行者 (qíxíngzhě) are more common for generic riders. Its dual meaning reflects how Chinese adapts foreign concepts while preserving native character logic.