主人
zhǔrén
The English verb 'to master' (to learn to a high degree) is expressed in Chinese using different words depending on the context. The default form provided here is the noun 主人 (zhǔrén).
In Chinese, the word for 'master' changes based on whether you are referring to a person who owns something or a person who has achieved great skill in a specific field. The noun 主人 refers to an owner or a master. If you are referring to a master of a specific field, such as the arts, the formal term 大师 is used.
Meaning: to learn to a high degree (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun 主人 is composed of 主, meaning lord, master or main and 人, meaning person.
Which one should you use?
While the English word 'master' can function as a verb meaning 'to learn a skill,' the Chinese word 主人 is a noun meaning 'owner' or 'master' and cannot be used as a verb.
How do you pronounce it?
zhǔrén
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use 主人 to mean 'to master a skill.' Instead, you should use 掌握 (zhǎngwò).
Did you know?
- While 主人 means 'owner', the word for 'master' in the context of a martial arts teacher is often 师父, which literally translates to 'teacher-father'.
- While 大师 is used for a 'master' of the arts, the character 师 also refers to a 'division' or 'army' in ancient military contexts, reflecting the historical link between mastery and command.
- The character 主 in 主人 can also mean 'main' or 'primary', which is why it appears in words for 'subject' or 'theme' in a sentence, treating the subject as the 'master' of the phrase.
Examples in context
- 狗搖著尾巴跟著主人。The dog followed its master, wagging its tail.This sentence uses 主人 to describe a dog's owner.Tatoeba #6070964 by verdastelo9604, translation #682879 by Chelsea
- 你才是自己命运的主人。You are the master of your own destiny.This sentence uses 主人 to describe someone in control of their destiny.Tatoeba #1992648 by sadhen, translation #16186 by CC
- 每個人都應該做自己命運的主人。Everyone ought to be the master of his own destiny.This sentence uses 主人 to describe the importance of being in control of one's destiny.Tatoeba #1221042 by tsayng, translation #2030469 by CK
- 他是一位非常有技术的师傅。He is a very skilled master.
- 这位画家是一位国际级的大师。This painter is an internationally renowned master.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about learning a new skill.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen你打算花多久時間來精通這門技術？Nǐ dǎsuàn huā duōjiǔ shíjiān lái jīngtōng zhè mén jìshù?How much time do you plan to spend to master this technique?
- 伟 Wei我想在一年內成為這方面的主人。Wǒ xiǎng zài yī nián nèi chéngwéi zhè fāngmiàn de zhǔrén.I want to master this field within a year.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen那需要非常努力的練習。Nà xūyào fēicháng nǔlì de liànxí.That requires very hard practice.
- 伟 Wei沒錯，我會努力達到那個境界。Méicuò, wǒ huì nǔlì dádào nàge jìngjiè.Exactly, I will work hard to reach that level.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
