师傅

• Pinyin: shī fu
• Hanzi breakdown: 师 = teacher/master; 傅 = 亻(person) + 尃 (spread)

Meaning

Master; skilled worker; (respectful address) sir/mister.

Originally meant a master craftsman or skilled worker who teaches apprentices. Now commonly used as a respectful address for taxi drivers, repairmen, workers, and skilled laborers. Shows respect without implying a master-apprentice relationship. Also used for martial arts masters.

Examples

1. 师傅，去火车站要多久？ Driver, how long does it take to get to the train station?
2. 这位老师傅的手艺特别好，做出来的家具精美极了。 This old master's craftsmanship is superb — the furniture he makes is exquisite.
3. 他跟着师傅学了三年，终于出师了。 He studied under his master for three years and finally completed his training.

Usage Guide

Context: trade, service workers, martial arts

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 师傅，请问这个怎么修？(Sir, how do you fix this?)
• 谢谢师傅。(Thank you, sir.)

Don't Say

• 师傅 to office workers or professionals — use 先生/女士 instead; 师傅 is for skilled manual workers

Origin & History

Compound of 师 (teacher/master) + 傅 (instructor), originally referring to a teacher who instructs in a craft.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal