Readings: シ (Onyomi), (Kunyomi)
Meaning: Teacher, master, expert, army, war
The kanji 師 combines 阝 (a variant of 阜, meaning “mound, hill”) representing a gathering place, and 帀 (originally depicting a kind of cap or turban, symbolizing authority or a group leader, and also signifying “a round, circle”). Together, it originally meant a military commander or a large group of people (army), which then extended to someone who leads or teaches, hence “teacher” or “master.”
View JLPT N3 Kanji ListHow to Write – Stroke Order
The kanji 師 has 10 strokes. The stroke order begins with the left radical (similar to 刂). First, write the vertical stroke, then the small horizontal stroke on the left. Next, move to the right side: write the top horizontal stroke, followed by the long vertical stroke going downwards. Then, draw the enclosing box, finishing with the short horizontal stroke inside, and finally the bottom horizontal stroke, ending with the last vertical stroke that pierces through the box.
Kanji Details
| Radical | 巾 (はば / kin) |
|---|---|
| Strokes | 10 |
| JLPT Level | N3 |
| Grade | S (Secondary School) |
Readings with English Transcription
Onyomi (Chinese readings)
- シ (Shi)
Kunyomi (Japanese readings)
- ()
Common Words Using 師
Onyomi Readings
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 教師 | きょうし | teacher |
| 医師 | いし | doctor |
| 弁護士 | べんごし | lawyer |
| 看護師 | かんごし | nurse |
| 調理師 | ちょうりし | chef, cook |
| 美容師 | びようし | beautician, hairdresser |
| 講師 | こうし | lecturer, instructor |
| 禅師 | ぜんじ | Zen master |
| 師範 | しはん | instructor, master (in martial arts/arts) |
| 国師 | こくし | national master (historical, religious) |
Example Sentences
Japanese: 私の兄は高校の教師です。
Kana: わたしのあにはこうこうのきょうしです。
Romaji: Watashi no ani wa kōkō no kyōshi desu.
English: My older brother is a high school teacher.
Japanese: 彼は有名な医師です。
Kana: かれはゆうめいないしです。
Romaji: Kare wa yūmei na ishi desu.
English: He is a famous doctor.
Japanese: 困った時は弁護士に相談してください。
Kana: こまったときはべんごしにそうだんしてください。
Romaji: Komatta toki wa bengoshi ni sōdan shite kudasai.
English: Please consult a lawyer when you are in trouble.
Japanese: その病院の看護師はとても親切です。
Kana: そのびょういんのかんごしはとてもしんせつです。
Romaji: Sono byōin no kangoshi wa totemo shinsetsu desu.
English: The nurses at that hospital are very kind.
Japanese: 美味しい料理を作る調理師になりたい。
Kana: おいしいりょうりをつくるちょうりしになりたい。
Romaji: Oishii ryōri o tsukuru chōrishi ni naritai.
English: I want to become a chef who makes delicious food.
Japanese: 私はいつも同じ美容師に髪を切ってもらいます。
Kana: わたしはいつもおなじびようしにかみをきってもらいます。
Romaji: Watashi wa itsumo onaji biyōshi ni kami o kitte moraimasu.
English: I always have my hair cut by the same beautician.
Japanese: 大学の日本語の講師が新しくなりました。
Kana: だいがくのにほんごのこうしがあたらしくなりました。
Romaji: Daigaku no Nihongo no kōshi ga atarashiku narimashita.
English: The Japanese language lecturer at the university has changed (is new).
Japanese: 私の人生の師は母です。
Kana: わたしのじんせいのしはははです。
Romaji: Watashi no jinsei no shi wa haha desu.
English: My life’s mentor is my mother.
Japanese: 彼は武道の師範として多くの弟子を指導しています。
Kana: かれはぶどうのしはんとしておおくのでしをしどうしています。
Romaji: Kare wa budō no shihan to shite ōku no deshi o shidō shite imasu.
English: He instructs many disciples as a martial arts master.
Japanese: 師の教えは私の心に深く刻まれています。
Kana: しのおしえはわたしのこころにふかくきざまれています。
Romaji: Shi no oshie wa watashi no kokoro ni fukaku kizamarete imasu.
English: My master’s teachings are deeply etched in my heart.
Related Grammar & kanji list
Expand your study with grammar and kanji lists for other JLPT levels:
I’m a software engineer based in Japan, with experience in developing web and mobile applications. I’m passionate about technology, especially in DevOps, AI, and app development using platforms like AWS, Flutter, and Node.js. My goal is to build a website that shares knowledge about the Japanese language and IT, helping everyone learn and grow more easily in the digital era.