noun HSK 5
Traditional 學徒
xué
apprentice · trainee · disciple

Meaning

学徒 refers to someone learning a trade, craft, or skill under the guidance of a master or experienced practitioner. The term combines 学 (to learn/study) and 徒 (follower/disciple), literally meaning 'learning follower.' It's commonly used in contexts involving traditional crafts, technical trades, or martial arts training.

Usage

学徒 is used in both traditional and modern contexts. In traditional settings, it refers to someone formally apprenticed to a master craftsman (师傅). In modern usage, it can describe interns, trainees, or anyone in the early stages of learning a profession. The relationship typically implies a hierarchical teaching structure and hands-on learning rather than classroom education.

Examples

  1. 01
    他在一家木工店当了三年学徒
    zài jiā gōng diàn dāng le sān nián xué .
    He worked as an apprentice at a carpentry shop for three years.
  2. 02
    师傅决定收两个新学徒传授手艺。
    Shī fu jué dìng shōu liǎng xīn xué chuán shòu shǒu .
    The master decided to take on two new apprentices to pass on his craft.

Characters

Measure words

  • 一个学徒
  • míng三名学徒

Common collocations

  • 学徒
    shōu xué
    to take on an apprentice
  • 学徒
    dāng xué
    to be an apprentice
  • 学徒
    xué zhì
    apprenticeship system
  • 学徒
    xué
    apprenticeship period

Antonyms

Origin

The word combines 学 (study/learn) with 徒 (follower/disciple), reflecting the traditional Chinese educational model where students learned by following and imitating masters. This concept has roots in ancient guild systems and martial arts traditions.

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