老师
lǎoshī
teacher
老师 means teacher and is one of the most important role words for students. In China, it is also used as a respectful title for anyone with expertise, not just school teachers.
Example sentences
我们的中文老师很好。
Wǒmen de Zhōngwén lǎoshī hěn hǎo.
Our Chinese teacher is very good.
老师，我有一个问题。
Lǎoshī, wǒ yǒu yí ge wèntí.
Teacher, I have a question.
How to use 老师 in practice
老师 is a work & study item that is easiest to learn inside a complete sentence. Read it with the pinyin lǎoshī, then connect it to the meaning “teacher” before trying to use it from memory. The examples on this page show the phrase in context: 我们的中文老师很好。 / 老师，我有一个问题。.
When you practice 老师, do not stop at recognition. Say one example aloud, swap in a new person, place, object, or time word, and then use the phrase in a short answer. This turns a glossary entry into real Mandarin output and exposes word-order or pronunciation mistakes quickly.
Common learner mistake
A common learner mistake is to memorize 老师 only as “teacher” and then translate word by word from English. Instead, learn the whole chunk with the words around it. Notice which nouns, verbs, measure words, or polite markers appear before and after the phrase, and copy that pattern in your own sentence.
Mini practice prompt
Practice prompt: open Chinese speaking practice, start a short conversation, and use 老师 naturally in your first or second reply. If the sentence feels awkward, compare it with the examples above and try again with a smaller sentence.
Memory tip: review 老师 tomorrow by covering the English meaning, reading only lǎoshī, and producing a sentence before checking the examples. Active recall helps this word survive beyond one reading session.
Practice related pages
FAQ
Can I call anyone 老师?
Yes, in Chinese culture 老师 is also used as a polite title for experienced professionals, artists, and experts — similar to sensei in Japanese.
How can I remember 老师 faster?
Say 老师 inside a full sentence, change one detail, and repeat it in a realistic prompt. The combination of sound, meaning, and context is stronger than memorizing the translation alone.
Can I use 老师 in conversation practice?
Yes. Start with the example sentence, then use 老师 in a short AI conversation so you can see whether the surrounding word order and tone feel natural.
Published by AI Chinese Coach