Meanings of 師
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About 師
Podcast: 師
Podcast: 師
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AI Study Notes for 師
教师 (jiàoshī) vs 导师 (dǎoshī) — choose 師 (shī) for traditional or formal contexts, while 教师 (jiàoshī) is more specific to school teachers, and 导师 (dǎoshī) refers to a mentor or advisor.
When using 師, it is important to distinguish between its formal and informal usages. For example, 師 can be used in titles like '老師' (lǎoshī) for school teachers, whereas in informal contexts, it might be used casually. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words like '诗' (shī), which means poetry.
Although 師 is not assigned a specific HSK level, it is essential for learners at any level to understand its usage in professional and educational contexts. Students should focus on collocations like '老師' (teacher) and '師傅' (master craftsman) to see how it fits into everyday language.
Learners often confuse 師 with similar characters like 诗 (shī, poetry) or 志 (zhì, will). For example, saying '我是一位诗' (wǒ shì yī wèi shī) incorrectly uses '诗' instead of '师'. The correct phrase would be '我是一位师' (wǒ shì yī wèi shī).
Pronunciation of 師
Drill the tone of 師 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 師
Simplified form of 師. Origin unclear.
To skillfully wield 帀 a knife 㠯
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 師
Simplified form of 師. Origin unclear.
- 1The giveawayTo skillfully wield 帀 a knife 㠯
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 師? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 師?
Decomposition of 師
Identify the Components
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How to say teacher, professional, master in Chinese
“teacher, professional, master” in Chinese is師
The character 師 (shī) refers to a teacher, master, or professional in a specific field. It conveys a sense of respect and authority, often associated with someone who imparts knowledge or skills. This term is commonly used in educational and professional contexts, signifying expertise and mentorship.
When to use 師
When using 師, it is important to distinguish between its formal and informal usages. For example, 師 can be used in titles like '老師' (lǎoshī) for school teachers, whereas in informal contexts, it might be used casually. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words like '诗' (shī), which means poetry.
師 or something close to it
教师 (jiàoshī) vs 导师 (dǎoshī) — choose 師 (shī) for traditional or formal contexts, while 教师 (jiàoshī) is more specific to school teachers, and 导师 (dǎoshī) refers to a mentor or advisor.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 師 with similar characters like 诗 (shī, poetry) or 志 (zhì, will). For example, saying '我是一位诗' (wǒ shì yī wèi shī) incorrectly uses '诗' instead of '师'. The correct phrase would be '我是一位师' (wǒ shì yī wèi shī).
Write 師
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Practice writing 師 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 師
Compound Meaning
What does 律师 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 師
師 is often used in compound words like 老師 (lǎoshī, teacher) or 醫師 (yīshī, doctor) to denote someone with expertise.
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