Definition

1. Noun:
   • Master craftsman / Lead artisan: A skilled manual worker who is in charge of a group of workers or apprentices, typically in a traditional craft or trade. This term emphasizes seniority, high skill level, and supervisory responsibility.
   • Foreman / Supervisor: In a workshop or on a job site, the person who oversees the work of other laborers, ensuring quality and coordinating tasks.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Ông ấy là thợ cả của xưởng mộc. (He is the master craftsman of the carpentry workshop.)
  • Thợ cả phân công công việc cho các thợ phụ. (The foreman assigns tasks to the assistant workers.)
  • Người thợ cả lành nghề đó đã đào tạo nhiều thợ trẻ. (That skilled master craftsman has trained many young artisans.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "thợ cả" carries a traditional and somewhat formal tone, often associated with artisanal trades like carpentry, masonry, or blacksmithing. It implies respect for the person's extensive experience and authority.
• In modern industrial or corporate contexts, titles like "trưởng nhóm" (team leader) or "giám sát" (supervisor) are more common, while "thợ cả" may sound archaic.

Variants and Related Words

• Thợ (n): worker, artisan, mechanic.
  • thợ điện (electrician), thợ máy (mechanic).
• Thợ phụ (n): assistant worker, apprentice, journeyman.
• Thợ lành nghề (n): skilled worker, craftsman.
• Quản đốc (n): workshop manager, superintendent (a higher position than ).

Synonyms

• Master craftsman
• Foreman
• Lead worker
• Senior artisan
• Supervisor (in a manual labor context)

Related Idioms

• Làm thợ cả ăn cơm nằm, làm thợ bạn ăn cơm đứng: A saying highlighting the different statuses; the master craftsman can rest, while the ordinary worker must stand. It illustrates the hierarchy and privileges of the lead position.
• Thợ cả bày, thợ bạn làm: The master craftsman gives the plan/design, the other workers execute it. Emphasizes the roles of planning versus implementation.