bậc thầy
[ʔɓək̚˧˨ʔ tʰəj˨˩]word by word
The English verb "master", in the sense of learning a subject to a high degree, is expressed in Vietnamese as bậc thầy.
Thầy is often used to address teachers, professors or individuals who are highly skilled and respected in their field. Sư is commonly used in Buddhism to address a Buddhist monk or nun.
Meaning: to learn to a high degree (verb)
Did you know?
- Because thầy is so deeply rooted in respect, using it as a descriptor for oneself would be considered incredibly arrogant or socially inappropriate.
- While 'teacher' is the common translation, the word thầy can also function as a respectful way to address a man in certain traditional social hierarchies, much like 'sir' or 'master' in historical English.
- The word thầy is actually a descendant of the Chinese character 師, which is the same root used in the word sư to refer to monks or professional specialists.
Examples in context
- Thầy Huy dạy toán học ở trường đại học.Thầy Huy teaches mathematics at the university.
- Vui lòng tìm kiếm lời khuyên từ thầy.Please seek advice from the master.
Example conversation
Hương and Nam are discussing their skills at a cooking class.
- HươngNam, anh nấu món này giỏi quá!Nam, you cook this dish so well!
- NamCảm ơn Hương, nhưng tôi chưa là bậc thầy đâu.Thanks Hương, but I'm not a master yet.
- HươngAnh chỉ cần luyện tập thêm một chút nữa.You just need to practice a little more.
- NamTôi sẽ cố gắng để sớm thành thạo.I will try to become proficient soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (bậc, thầy) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bậc thầy, thầy, CC BY-SA 4.0.
