noun HSK 2
Traditional 師
teacher · master · expert · model · army · division (military)
Meaning
师 refers to a teacher, instructor, or master of a skill. It can also mean an expert or someone worthy of emulation. In classical and military contexts, it can refer to an army or military division.
Usage
Most commonly used as a bound morpheme in compounds like 老师 (lǎoshī, teacher) or 师傅 (shīfu, master/skilled worker). When used alone in modern Mandarin, it typically appears in formal or literary contexts, or when addressing someone respectfully as a master of their craft.
Examples
- 01他是我的武术师。.He is my martial arts master.
- 02这位老师教得很好，深受学生爱戴。, .This teacher teaches very well and is deeply loved by students.
Measure words
- 位一位师
Common collocations
- 拜师to formally acknowledge someone as one's master/teacher
- 师生teachers and students
- 师范normal school, teacher training
- 师父master (respectful address)
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form 師 originally depicted a mound or pile (left side) and a multitude of people (right side), suggesting an army or organized group. Over time, the meaning evolved to include 'teacher' as someone who leads and instructs others.