徒弟

• Pinyin: tú dì
• Hanzi breakdown: 徒 = 彳 (step) + 走 (walk) + 土; 弟 = pictograph of a person with lowered head showing respect

Meaning

Apprentice; disciple; student (of a master). Someone who learns a trade or skill from a master.

Traditionally refers to someone learning a craft, martial art, or traditional skill from a master (师傅 or 师父). The relationship implies respect, loyalty, and a traditional master-apprentice bond. Still used in traditional trades, martial arts, and as a colloquial way to refer to junior workers.

Examples

1. 这位老厨师带过很多徒弟，他们现在都成了名厨。 This old chef has trained many apprentices, and they have all become famous chefs now.
2. 师傅把自己的手艺毫无保留地传授给了徒弟。 The master taught his apprentice all his skills without holding anything back.
3. 他是我的徒弟，跟我学了三年汽车维修了。 He is my apprentice and has been learning auto repair from me for three years.

Usage Guide

Context: traditional trades, martial arts, workplace

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 他是王师傅的大徒弟。(He is Master Wang's senior apprentice.)
• 师傅对徒弟很严格。(The master is very strict with his apprentice.)

Don't Say

• 我是大学教授的徒弟 — 学术场合用'学生'或'研究生'，徒弟用于传统技艺或手艺的传承

Origin & History

Compound of 徒 (follower, on foot) + 弟 (younger brother). Reflects the traditional relationship where the apprentice follows the master like a younger sibling.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal