1.
former teacher, mentor, teacher to whom one is indebted
A teacher or mentor who had a significant positive influence on one's life. The word carries deep gratitude and respect, going beyond just 'former teacher' to imply a lasting debt of gratitude.
恩師に手紙を書いた。
I wrote a letter to my former teacher.
恩師のおかげで今の自分がある。
I am who I am today thanks to my mentor.
卒業して二十年経つが、恩師の言葉は今も心に残っている。
Twenty years have passed since graduation, but my mentor's words still remain in my heart.
USAGE:
A respectful word that expresses gratitude. You would not normally use 恩師 to refer to a teacher you disliked or who had no particular impact on you. The word implies a significant personal debt of gratitude (恩, indebtedness).
CULTURAL NOTE:
In Japan, the student-teacher relationship is often maintained long after graduation. Visiting one's 恩師 or keeping in touch is considered an expression of proper gratitude.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 恩師を訪ねる: to visit one's former teacher
- 恩師の教え: the teachings of one's mentor
- 恩師に感謝する: to be grateful to one's mentor