教练

• Pinyin: jiào liàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 教 = 孝 (filial piety, phonetic) + 攵 (strike/action), meaning to teach; 练 = 纟(silk) + 柬 (select, phonetic), meaning to practise

Meaning

Coach; instructor; trainer. A person who teaches and trains others, especially in sports or driving.

Used for sports coaches, driving instructors, fitness trainers, and similar roles where someone provides hands-on training and guidance. In China, 教练 is most commonly heard in driving schools and sports contexts. Can be used as a direct form of address.

Examples

1. 我们的篮球教练很严格。 Our basketball coach is very strict.
2. 教练说明天早上八点集合。 The coach said to gather at eight tomorrow morning.
3. 学开车的时候，教练对我很有耐心。 When I was learning to drive, the instructor was very patient with me.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, driving, fitness, everyday

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 教练，我可以休息一下吗？(Coach, may I take a break?)
• 他是一位很有经验的游泳教练。(He is a very experienced swimming coach.)

Don't Say

• 我的数学教练教得很好。(Don't use 教练 for academic subjects — use 老师. 教练 is for sports, driving, and physical skills training.)

Origin & History

Compound of 教 (to teach) and 练 (to practise, to train), together meaning 'one who teaches through practice' — a coach or instructor.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal