修士

• Reading: しゅうし
• Romaji: shuushi
• Kanji breakdown: 修 (shuu) — to discipline, to study, to master; 士 (shi) — scholar, person of learning
• Pronunciation: /ɕɯː.ɕi/

Meaning

Master's degree; master's level. The postgraduate degree between bachelor's and doctoral.

A noun specifically referring to the master's degree level in academia. Commonly used in compounds like 修士号 (master's degree), 修士課程 (master's program), and 修士論文 (master's thesis). The program typically takes two years in Japan.

Examples

1. 修士論文のテーマがなかなか決まらない。 I'm having trouble deciding on a topic for my master's thesis.
2. 彼女は修士課程の二年生です。 She is a second-year student in the master's program.
3. 修士号を取ってから就職した。 I got a job after earning my master's degree.

Usage Guide

Context: education, career, research

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 修 (to discipline, to study, to master) and 士 (scholar, person of learning). The combination refers to someone who has completed a course of advanced study.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Young adults

Social background: Universal