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March 24, 2026
师傅(師傅)shīfu(shi1fu5)
师傅 (shīfu) refers to a master or qualified worker, often used to show respect towards skilled individuals, particularly in trades or crafts. This term can also be a respectful way to address older men, especially those with expertise, highlighting both their experience and status in a professional context.
Strokes18Frequency#4734DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the term 师傅 is deeply rooted in the respect for skilled labor and craftsmanship, reflecting the traditional value placed on apprenticeships and mentorship in various trades.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wise old master (师) wielding his tools (傅) in a bustling workshop. The character 师 suggests a teacher or guide, while 傅 can remind you of 'tools' and 'craftsmanship'. Together, think of a 'master craftsman' who is respected for his skills.
Meanings of 师傅
shīfu(shi1fu5)
1master
2qualified worker
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About 师傅
师傅Simplified
師傅Traditional
18Strokes
—Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#4734Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateHSKKL3BCT✓CEFRB2
Podcast: 师傅
Podcast: 师傅
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AI Study Notes for 师傅
Quick Contrast
工匠 (gōngjiàng) refers specifically to a craftsman or artisan, while 师傅 (shīfu) emphasizes respect and mastery, often in a broader context.
Usage Notes
师傅 is commonly used in informal contexts, especially when addressing someone in a trade like cooking or repair work. Avoid using it in overly formal situations where titles like '老师' (teacher) may be more appropriate. Remember that the tone of voice is important; ensure clarity in pronunciation to avoid misunderstanding.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 4 word, 师傅 connects well with other terms related to professions and respect, such as 工作 (gōngzuò, work) and 老师 (lǎoshī, teacher). Focus on practicing its usage in dialogues about professions to enhance retention.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 师傅 with 老师 (lǎoshī), leading to incorrect usage in formal educational contexts. For example, saying '我的师傅是我的老师' (My master is my teacher) may sound awkward; instead, use '我的老师是我的师傅' if applicable.
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Pronunciation of 师傅
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师傅 (shīfu) refers to a master or qualified worker, often used to show respect towards skilled individuals, particularly in trades or crafts. This term can also be a respectful way to address older men, especially those with expertise, highlighting both their experience and status in a professional context.
When to use 师傅
师傅 is commonly used in informal contexts, especially when addressing someone in a trade like cooking or repair work. Avoid using it in overly formal situations where titles like '老师' (teacher) may be more appropriate. Remember that the tone of voice is important; ensure clarity in pronunciation to avoid misunderstanding.
师傅 or something close to it
工匠 (gōngjiàng) refers specifically to a craftsman or artisan, while 师傅 (shīfu) emphasizes respect and mastery, often in a broader context.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 师傅 with 老师 (lǎoshī), leading to incorrect usage in formal educational contexts. For example, saying '我的师傅是我的老师' (My master is my teacher) may sound awkward; instead, use '我的老师是我的师傅' if applicable.
Write 师傅
师
傅
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Grammar Patterns of 师傅
师傅 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
This qualified worker is very professional at car repairs, and many people seek his help.
10
我们的公司需要一位有经验的电工师傅。
Wǒmen de gōngsī xūyào yī wèi yǒu jīngyàn de diàngōng shīfu.
Our company needs a qualified electrician with experience.
Cultural Notes for 师傅
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While 'master' in English can imply authority or superiority, in Chinese, 师傅 emphasizes respect and acknowledges the skills of the person, often used in a more egalitarian manner.
Frequently Asked Questions about 师傅
师傅 is traditionally used for men; for women, you might use 师姐 (shījiě) or simply their name.
No, while it is common in trades, 师傅 can also be used to show respect in other fields, such as martial arts or cooking.
The plural form is 师傅们 (shīfu men), which can be used to refer to multiple masters or skilled workers.
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