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老师 (lǎo shī) — teacher

Definition

Everyday word for 'teacher' (a person who teaches). 教师 is the more formal, written term; 导师 is specifically an academic advisor or mentor. Use 位 to show respect.

noun
teacher
Measure word · 个, 位

Examples

  • 老师？
    Tā shì lǎo shī ma?
    Is she a teacher?
  • 老师。
    lǎo shī Hěn máng.
    The teacher is very busy.
  • 老师。
    lǎo shī Zài kàn shū.
    The teacher is reading a book.

Origin

Derived word
构词法gòucífǎ
前缀qiánzhuìPrefix

A fixed syllable in front that adds a shade of meaning but carries none of its own.

老lǎofamiliar formative
师shīteacher

The 老 part adds familiarity, and 师 means teacher.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

The shape 老 combines 人 (man), 毛 (hair), and 匕 (cane), showing a man with long hair leaning on a cane.

Open 老 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 師; 师 is its simplified writing.

  • 𠂤𠂤𠂤
  • 帀帀zā

The traditional form 師 combines 𠂤 and 帀; the simplified 师 is not the form explained here.

Open 师 →
Appears in
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