1.
master instructor; master teacher
A highly qualified teacher or instructor, especially in martial arts, traditional arts, or crafts. Also used as a title or rank.
剣道の師範に教わる。
To learn from a kendo master.
彼は茶道の師範として長年活動している。
He has been active as a tea ceremony master for many years.
祖母は華道の師範の免許を持っており、自宅で弟子に教えている。
My grandmother holds a master instructor's license in flower arrangement and teaches students at home.
Composed of 師 (teacher, master) + 範 (model, pattern). Carries a sense of authority and mastery. In martial arts and traditional Japanese arts, 師範 is a formal rank indicating one is qualified to teach independently.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 師範の免許 (master instructor's license)
- 師範代 (assistant instructor, one rank below master)
- 師範学校 (normal school, historical teacher training school)
- 師範に師事する (study under a master)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 先生 — teacher (general, widely used for any teacher or respected professional)
- 指導者 — instructor, leader (general term without the connotation of traditional mastery)
- 名人 — master, expert (emphasizes skill rather than teaching role)
CULTURAL NOTE:
In traditional arts like 茶道, 華道, and 書道, receiving a 師範 license is a significant milestone that permits one to teach and award ranks to students.
Related Words
Homophone:
市販