大师

• Pinyin: dà shī
• Hanzi breakdown: 大 = person with spread arms; 师 = 帀 (cloth banner) + 巾 (towel), originally military division leader

Meaning

Master; great master. An expert who has achieved the highest level in their field.

A title of respect for someone who has reached exceptional mastery in an art, craft, or discipline. Used for artists, martial artists, religious teachers, craftsmen, and other highly skilled individuals. Carries significant respect and admiration.

Examples

1. 这位钢琴大师的演奏让全场观众起立鼓掌。 This piano master's performance had the entire audience giving a standing ovation.
2. 他跟随武术大师学习太极拳已经二十年了。 He has been studying Tai Chi with a martial arts master for twenty years.
3. 齐白石是中国画坛的一代大师。 Qi Baishi was a master of Chinese painting in his generation.

Usage Guide

Context: arts, respect

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 他是烹饪界的大师。(He is a master in the culinary world.)
• 大师的作品总是令人惊叹。(The master's works are always astonishing.)

Don't Say

• 大师是很高的尊称，不能随便用于普通专家 (大师 is a high honorific — don't casually use it for ordinary experts)

Origin & History

From 大 (great) and 师 (master/teacher), originally used in Buddhism for accomplished monks, later extended to masters of any field.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal