Meaning
老师 is the standard, respectful term for a teacher or instructor in Chinese. It combines 老 (old, venerable) and 师 (master, expert), reflecting the traditional respect for educators in Chinese culture. It's used for teachers at all levels, from kindergarten through university.
Usage
This is the most common and polite way to address or refer to any teacher. Students typically use it as both a title (like 'Teacher Wang' - 王老师) and a general form of address. It's appropriate in all contexts and conveys respect. Can also be used for skilled practitioners in various fields like coaches or music instructors.
Examples
- 01我们的数学老师很严格。.Our math teacher is very strict.
- 02李老师，请问这个字怎么写？, ?Teacher Li, may I ask how to write this character?
Characters
Measure words
- 位一位老师
- 个三个老师
Common collocations
- 当老师to be a teacher
- 语文老师Chinese language teacher
- 英语老师English teacher
- 我的老师my teacher
Antonyms
Origin
The compound combines 老 (old, showing respect through age/experience) with 师 (master/expert). This reflects Confucian values where teachers were viewed as respected elders and masters of knowledge deserving veneration.