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师父 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
师父shīfuused for 師傅|师傅 (in Taiwan)HSK 6, unknown, 10 strokes, rank #8058, Hard
师父shīfumasterHSK 6, unknown, 10 strokes, rank #8058, Hard
师父shīfuqualified workerHSK 6, unknown, 10 strokes, rank #8058, Hard
shīfu(shi1fu5)shi fu T1
  1. 1used for 師傅|师傅 (in Taiwan)
  2. 2master
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March 24, 2026

师父(師父)shīfu(shi1fu5)

师父 (shīfu) refers to a master or qualified worker, often in a specific trade or craft. This term is commonly used in contexts such as martial arts, cooking, or any profession where a mentor-student relationship exists. It conveys respect for the teacher's expertise and experience.

Strokes10Frequency#8058DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, the master-apprentice relationship is highly valued, especially in the arts and crafts.师父 symbolizes not just skill transmission but also cultural heritage, as many skills are passed down through generations in a familial-like bond.

Memory Tip

Think of 师 (shī) as a teacher and 父 (fù) as father. Imagine a father figure teaching his child a skill, emphasizing the bond and respect involved in the master-apprentice relationship. The pronunciation 'shīfu' sounds like 'sheep foo', where a wise old sheep is teaching young ones how to navigate the world.

Meanings of 师父

shīfu(shi1fu5)
1used for 師傅|师傅 (in Taiwan)
2master
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About 师父

师父Simplified
師父Traditional
10Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3BCT✓CEFRC1

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AI Study Notes for 师父

Quick Contrast

徒弟 (túdì) refers to a disciple or apprentice, while 师父 (shīfu) specifically denotes the master or teacher in a mentor-student relationship.

Usage Notes

师父 is an informal term that expresses respect, so it is important to use it appropriately. Avoid using it for just anyone; it's reserved for those with significant skill or authority. Commonly, it is used with the respectful tone when addressing someone in a teaching or skilled position.

HSK Study Tips

While 师父 is not in the official HSK word list, it connects with other terms related to professions and education. Students should focus on recognizing this term in cultural contexts, as it enhances understanding of mentor-student dynamics in various Chinese professions.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 师父 with 师傅, thinking they are interchangeable. However, 师傅 is more commonly used in Taiwan and refers to a qualified worker, while 师父 emphasizes a master-student relationship. Always choose based on the context.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 师父

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Component Characters

师Shīteacher
HSK 26 strokes巾
View full entry
父fùfather
4 strokes父
View full entry

How to say used for 師傅|师傅 (in Taiwan) in Chinese

“used for 師傅|师傅 (in Taiwan)” in Chinese is师父shīfu

师父 (shīfu) refers to a master or qualified worker, often in a specific trade or craft. This term is commonly used in contexts such as martial arts, cooking, or any profession where a mentor-student relationship exists. It conveys respect for the teacher's expertise and experience.

When to use 师父

师父 is an informal term that expresses respect, so it is important to use it appropriately. Avoid using it for just anyone; it's reserved for those with significant skill or authority. Commonly, it is used with the respectful tone when addressing someone in a teaching or skilled position.

师父 or something close to it

徒弟 (túdì) refers to a disciple or apprentice, while 师父 (shīfu) specifically denotes the master or teacher in a mentor-student relationship.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 师父 with 师傅, thinking they are interchangeable. However, 师傅 is more commonly used in Taiwan and refers to a qualified worker, while 师父 emphasizes a master-student relationship. Always choose based on the context.

Write 师父

师
父

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Frequently Asked Questions about 师父

No, 师父 can be used in various contexts, including cooking, music, and trades, wherever expertise is respected.

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