HSK · Level 19
135 words
Chinese word
师父
Pronunciation
Pinyinshī fù
Meaning
- nounmaster
Example
别人都叫他师父，他很有威信。bié rén dōu jiào tā shī fù tā hěn yǒu wēi xìn
Everyone calls him Master, and he commands great respect.
More examples
徒弟们愿意跟师父学艺。tú dì men yuàn yì gēn shī fù xué yì
The apprentices are willing to learn skills from their master.
Core concept
An honored teacher who guides a learner with the closeness of a parent, especially within a lasting master-apprentice relationship.
Common phrases
跟师父学艺gēn shī fù xué yì
learn skills from one's master
当师父dāng shī fù
become a master
Similar words
师傅shī fù: A familiar spoken title for a skilled worker, driver, merchant, or other practical worker.
老师lǎo shī: A general name for a person who teaches at a school or tutoring center.
导师dǎo shī: A specialized adviser who personally guides students, researchers, or workers.
教师jiào shī: A formal term for someone whose profession is teaching in an educational institution.
Definition in Chinese
用于称呼直接教自己技艺、学业或宗教修行者的敬称，既表示尊敬又带有亲切感。yòng yú chēng hū zhí jiē jiào zì jǐ jì yì xué yè huò zōng jiào xiū xíng zhě de jìng chēng jì biǎo shì zūn jìng yòu dài yǒu qīn qiè gǎn
Word origin
师 (shī, "teacher") + 父 (fù, "father") presents a teacher as a father-like figure, expressing both respect and personal closeness.
Usage tips
- In English, master often sounds like a formal title for exceptional skill, whereas this Chinese form can be a warm spoken address to a personal instructor in traditional training settings.