lão sư
Definition
- Noun:
- Old Master / Venerable Teacher: A respectful and somewhat archaic term for an elderly, experienced, and highly respected teacher, mentor, or master of a craft, art, or field of study. It conveys deep reverence for the individual's age, wisdom, and long service.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Ông ấy là một vị lão sư đáng kính trong làng thư pháp. (He is a venerable master in the calligraphy village.)
- Lão sư của tôi đã dạy võ thuật hơn 50 năm. (My old master has taught martial arts for over 50 years.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is primarily used in formal, literary, or traditional contexts. It is less common in everyday modern speech, where "thầy giáo" (teacher) or "người thầy" (the teacher) is preferred. "Lão sư" specifically highlights the advanced age and esteemed status of the teacher.
Variants and Related Words
- Sư phụ (n): Master (often used in martial arts or apprenticeship contexts; emphasizes the master-disciple relationship more than age).
- Danh sư (n): Famous master/teacher (emphasizes renown).
- Giáo sư (n): Professor (a modern academic title).
Synonyms
- Venerable master: A teacher or expert commanding respect due to age and dignity.
- Elder teacher: A teacher who is advanced in years.
- Senior mentor: An experienced and trusted advisor.
Related Idioms
- Kính lão đắc thọ: (Idiom) Respecting the elderly brings longevity. This proverb shares the cultural value of respecting elders, which is inherent in the term "lão sư."
- Nhất tự vi sư, bán tự vi sư: (Idiom) He who teaches me one word is my teacher; he who teaches me half a word is also my teacher. This emphasizes the respect for teachers, akin to the reverence in "lão sư."