律师

• Pinyin: lǜ shī
• Hanzi breakdown: 律 = 彳(walk) + 聿 (writing brush) — to regulate, law; 师 = 帀 + 一 — a master or teacher

Meaning

Lawyer; attorney. A professional who practices law and represents clients in legal matters.

Refers to a licensed legal professional. In China, one must pass the national judicial examination to become a 律师. The term covers all types of lawyers. 律师事务所 is a law firm. Unlike English which distinguishes solicitors and barristers, Chinese uses 律师 as a catch-all term.

Examples

1. 他请了一位律师帮他处理这个案子。 He hired a lawyer to help him handle this case.
2. 她从小就梦想成为一名律师。 She has dreamed of becoming a lawyer since she was young.
3. 律师建议他们通过法律途径解决问题。 The lawyer advised them to resolve the issue through legal channels.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, career

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你最好先咨询一下律师。(You'd better consult a lawyer first.)
• 这位律师在业内很有名。(This lawyer is very well-known in the industry.)

Don't Say

• 叫律师来帮我 — in China, you 请 (hire/invite) a lawyer, not 叫 (call/summon); say 请律师 for the proper phrasing

Origin & History

律 means 'law' or 'rule' and 师 means 'master' or 'teacher.' Together they refer to a master of the law.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal