师 — meaning in English: division

shī · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for division

生产力

shēngchǎnlì

笔

bǐ

领先

lǐngxiān

师

shī

承诺

chéngnuò

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 师 (shī) in educational settings, such as when referring to teachers or instructors. It may also be used in professional contexts, like when discussing various fields of expertise, such as '工程师' (gōngchéngshī) meaning engineer, indicating a person's role in a specific division of work.

Synonyms & nuances

While 师 (shī) is commonly used to refer to a teacher or an expert, another close synonym is 讲师 (jiǎngshī), which specifically means lecturer and is often used in academic contexts. You would choose 师 (shī) over 讲师 (jiǎngshī) when referring to a broader category of expertise, especially outside of a formal classroom.

Culture

The character 师 (shī) has its roots in ancient China, where it originally referred to a master or expert in a particular field. Over time, it evolved to encompass various roles, including teachers and skilled professionals, reflecting the deep cultural respect for educators and mentors in Chinese society.

FAQ

Q.What does 师 (shī) mean in English?

The word 师 (shī) translates to 'master' or 'teacher' in English, but it can also refer to someone with expertise in a specific field.

Q.How is 师 (shī) used in everyday conversation?

In everyday conversation, you might hear 师 (shī) when people talk about their teachers or instructors, or when discussing professions that require specialized knowledge, like doctors and engineers.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 师 (shī)?

A common mistake is confusing 师 (shī) with 教师 (jiàoshī), which strictly means 'teacher.' Be mindful to use 师 (shī) when referring to expertise more broadly, while 教师 (jiàoshī) is reserved for formal educational settings.

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