Definition
老师 (lǎo shī) is the everyday word for 'teacher' used in speech and as a title (e.g., 王老师). 教师 (jiào shī) is more formal, used in official contexts like '教师节' (Teacher's Day). Use 老师 when addressing or referring to a teacher in daily life.
noun
teacher
Measure word · 个, 位
Easily confused
- 老实lǎo shisound-alikehonest, sincere, straightforward
- 老是lǎo shìsound-alikealways (used for annoying or undesirable repeated actions)
Examples
- 老师？Tā shì lǎo shī ma?Is she a teacher?
- 老师。lǎo shī hěn máng.The teacher is very busy.
- 老师。lǎo shī zài kàn shū.The teacher is reading a book.
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