师傅
shī fu
Master · trad. 師傅
师傅 (shīfu) is a versatile and respectful term in Mandarin Chinese, commonly used to address skilled workers like taxi drivers, chefs, or repairmen. It can also be a general polite way to address a stranger, similar to 'sir' or 'mister,' especially someone older or in a service role.
When to use it
Neutral and polite. Use 师傅 for skilled tradespeople or as a general respectful address. For a great expert or grandmaster in a field (like martial arts or art), use 大师 (dàshī). For the master of a house or a pet owner, use 主人 (zhǔrén).
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “SHIR-foo.” The first syllable is a high, flat tone, and the second is a light, neutral tone.
Other ways to say it
- 大师dà shīgreat master, grandmaster (expert)
- 主人zhǔ rénmaster (of a house, pet owner)
- 老师傅lǎo shī fuold master, experienced craftsman
Examples
师傅，请问到火车站怎么走？
shī fu ， qǐng wèn dào huǒ chē zhàn zěn me zǒu ？
Master (Sir), excuse me, how do I get to the train station?
他是著名的武术大师。
tā shì zhù míng de wǔ shù dà shī 。
He is a famous martial arts grandmaster.
这只狗很听主人的话。
zhè zhī gǒu hěn tīng zhǔ rén de huà 。
This dog is very obedient to its master.
Pro tip: While 师傅 literally means 'teacher father,' it's rarely used to refer to one's actual father. Its primary modern use is for skilled workers or as a respectful general address.
Related phrases
和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
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