師範(しはん)

Composed of 師(し) (teacher, master) + 範(はん) (model, pattern). Carries a sense of authority and mastery. In martial arts and traditional Japanese arts, 師範(しはん) is a formal rank indicating one is qualified to teach independently.

Common collocations

• 師範(しはん)の免許(めんきょ) (master instructor's license)
• 師範(しはん)代(だい) (assistant instructor, one rank below master)
• 師範(しはん)学校(がっこう) (normal school, historical teacher training school)
• 師範(しはん)に師事(しじ)する (study under a master)

Similar words

• 先生(せんせい) — teacher (general, widely used for any teacher or respected professional)
• 指導者(しどうしゃ) — instructor, leader (general term without the connotation of traditional mastery)
• 名人(めいじん) — master, expert (emphasizes skill rather than teaching role)

Cultural note

In traditional arts like 茶道(さどう), 華道(かどう), and 書道(しょどう), receiving a 師範(しはん) license is a significant milestone that permits one to teach and award ranks to students.