Meaning
教练 refers to a person who trains, instructs, or coaches others in sports, fitness, or specific skills. It combines 教 (to teach) and 练 (to practice/train), literally meaning 'one who teaches practice.' The term is used for athletic coaches, personal trainers, driving instructors, and anyone who provides systematic training.
Usage
This is a standard, neutral term used in both formal and informal contexts. It's commonly used in sports settings (basketball coach, swimming coach) and also for driving instructors, fitness trainers, and skill instructors. Native speakers often address their coach directly as 教练 (similar to 'Coach' in English). The term can refer to both the profession and the specific person in that role.
Examples
- 01我们的篮球教练非常严格，但是很负责任。, .Our basketball coach is very strict, but very responsible.
- 02她想成为一名专业的游泳教练。.She wants to become a professional swimming coach.
Characters
Measure words
- 位一位教练
- 名三名教练
- 个两个教练
Common collocations
- 篮球教练basketball coach
- 健身教练fitness trainer
- 驾校教练driving instructor
- 总教练head coach
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines 教 (teach) with 练 (practice/drill), creating a compound that literally means 'teaching through practice' or 'one who teaches practice.' This reflects the hands-on, practical nature of coaching as distinct from purely academic teaching.