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How to say 'Master' in Japanese | 師匠

Wondering how to say 'Master' in Japanese? You're in the right place!

The Japanese word for Master is 'Shishou', written as 師匠 in Japanese.'Master' in hiragana is ししょう.

    word

    師匠

    Meaning

    Master

    Reading

    ししょう

    shishou

    Kanji

    Master, Expert Artisan, Craftsman

    Explanation

    The Japanese noun '師匠 (ししょう)' refers to a 'master' or 'teacher', particularly in the context of traditional arts, crafts, or skills. It is used to denote someone who has achieved a high level of expertise and is qualified to teach others. This term carries a sense of respect and is often used in fields such as martial arts, tea ceremony, calligraphy, or music. For example: my master is very skilled「私の師匠はとても上手です」(わたしのししょうはとてもじょうずです). He became a master of calligraphy「彼は書道の師匠になりました」(かれはしょどうのししょうになりました). The term emphasizes the hierarchical relationship between the teacher and the student, and it is often used with a tone of reverence.

    Part Of Speech

    noun

    Kanji JLPT

    N1

    Kanji Grade

    8

    Frequency

    6686

    Composition

    kanji

    Handwriting

Kanji in the Word 師匠

This word contains 2 kanji characters:

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Master, Expert

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Artisan, Craftsman

Words Related to 師匠 Through the Kanji

These 6 Words contain the Kanji 師 as well.

  • word

    Meaning

    Teacher

  • word

    医師

    Meaning

    Doctor

  • word

    教師

    Meaning

    Teacher

  • word

    技師

    Meaning

    Engineer

  • word

    師走

    Meaning

    December

  • word

    講師

    Meaning

    Lecturer

Learn the Word 師匠

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What does 'Shishou' (師匠) mean?

'Shishou' means 'Master' .

To help you master this word, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.