師傅
si1 fu2
The Cantonese word for master is 師傅 (si1 fu2), meaning to learn to a high degree.
Meaning: to learn to a high degree (verb)
Is it said differently in some regions?
There are variations in the preferred characters used for this term depending on the region. In Hong Kong, 師傅 is more prevalent, while in the Guangzhou region, 師父 is commonly used.
How do you pronounce it?
si1 fu2
Did you know?
- If you call a lawyer or a banker 師傅, you might actually offend them. This title is strictly for manual or technical expertise and sounds patronizing when applied to high-level white-collar professions.
- The term 師父 creates a 'pseudo-family' bond. Because the second character means 'father', using this version implies the student owes the teacher a level of loyalty similar to that of a child to a parent.
- While 師傅 means 'master', it is most commonly used for skilled tradespeople like taxi drivers, mechanics and chefs rather than academic experts.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their hobbies.
- 志強 Chi Keung你想師傅邊種樂器？nei5 soeng2 si1 fu6 bin1 zung2 lok6 kei4?Which instrument do you want to master?
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan我想師傅鋼琴。ngo5 soeng2 si1 fu6 gong1 can4.I want to master the piano.
- 志強 Chi Keung鋼琴好難師傅㗎。gong1 can4 hou2 naan4 si1 fu6 gaa3.The piano is very hard to master.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan係，但係我會努力。hai6, daan6 hai6 ngo5 wui5 nou6 lik6.Yes, but I will work hard.
