Meaning
律师 refers to a legal professional who is licensed to practice law, represent clients in legal matters, and provide legal advice. In China, lawyers must pass the National Judicial Examination and obtain a practicing certificate. The term is used for both attorneys who represent clients in court and those who provide legal consultation.
Usage
This is a formal, professional term used in legal contexts, business settings, and everyday conversation when referring to legal professionals. It's commonly used with the structure '做律师' (to work as a lawyer) or '请律师' (to hire a lawyer). The term is neutral in register and appropriate for all contexts.
Examples
- 01他请了一位律师来处理这个案子。.He hired a lawyer to handle this case.
- 02我姐姐在一家律师事务所工作。.My older sister works at a law firm.
Characters
Measure words
- 位一位律师
- 名三名律师
Common collocations
- 请律师to hire a lawyer
- 辩护律师defense attorney
- 律师事务所law firm
- 当律师to work as a lawyer
Origin
The word combines 律 (law, regulation) with 师 (master, expert), literally meaning 'law master' or 'master of law.' The character 师 is commonly used in professional titles to indicate expertise, such as in 医师 (doctor) or 工程师 (engineer).