师傅
shīfu
Description
“师傅”是对有手艺的工人的尊称，也可以用来礼貌地叫不认识的人。
"师傅" is an honorific for skilled workers and can also be used politely to address strangers.
比如坐出租车时，你可以叫开车的人“师傅”。
For example, when taking a taxi, you can call the driver "师傅".
Meanings
师傅shīfu
polite title for a skilled worker or master
这位师傅修车修得很好。
This master mechanic repairs cars very well.
师傅shīfu
polite way to address a stranger (esp. worker/driver)
师傅，去火车站多少钱？
Master, how much to the train station?
师傅shīfu
master who teaches a skill to an apprentice
他跟着师傅学做菜。
He is learning to cook from the master.
Related words
Notes
- Nuance
师傅 emphasizes skill/trade; 师父 stresses the teacher-disciple bond, common in martial arts or religion.
- Etymology
师 means teacher/master, 傅 means instructor; together a respectful term for a craftsman.
Links