1.
pupil; disciple; student of a master
A person who studies under a particular master or teacher, especially in traditional arts, martial arts, crafts, or academic disciplines. Implies a personal teacher-student relationship.
師匠の門下生になった。
I became a pupil of the master.
あの書道家には百人を超える門下生がいる。
That calligrapher has over a hundred pupils.
門下生たちは師匠の教えを守り、伝統の技を次の世代に伝えている。
The disciples follow their master's teachings and pass the traditional skills on to the next generation.
USAGE:
門下生 literally means "student under the gate" — historically, students gathered at the master's gate (home/school). It implies a traditional, personal relationship, not just attending a class.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 門下生を取る (to take on pupils)
- 門下生になる (to become a disciple)
- 多くの門下生 (many pupils)
SIMILAR WORDS:
弟子 is a more general term for disciple or apprentice. 門下生 emphasizes belonging to a specific school or master's lineage.
Related Words
Synonym:
弟子