noun HSK 4
Traditional 師傅
master · skilled worker · respectful form of address · teacher (of a craft)
Meaning
师傅 refers to a master craftsman or skilled worker, and is also used as a polite, respectful way to address service workers, drivers, technicians, or anyone whose expertise you acknowledge. Historically, it denoted someone who taught a trade or martial art.
Usage
Commonly used to address taxi drivers, repairmen, chefs, and tradespeople as a sign of respect. In traditional contexts, it refers to one's martial arts or craft teacher. The term conveys both skill and respect for someone's practical expertise.
Examples
- 01师傅，请问到火车站怎么走？, ?Excuse me, sir, how do I get to the train station?
- 02这位老师傅修了三十年自行车。.This veteran master has been repairing bicycles for thirty years.
Characters
Measure words
- 位一位师傅
Common collocations
- 师傅好Hello, master/sir (polite greeting)
- 请问师傅Excuse me, sir (to service worker)
- 老师傅veteran craftsman, old master
- 拜师傅to take someone as one's master
Antonyms
Origin
The compound combines 师 (teacher/master) and 傅 (tutor/mentor), originally referring to someone who instructs in a specific skill or craft, particularly in traditional apprenticeship systems.