徒弟

tú dì

apprentice; disciple

HSK Level 6

Example Sentences

这个徒弟很聪明,学东西很快。

Zhège túdì hěn cōngmíng, xué dōngxi hěn kuài.

This apprentice is very smart and learns things quickly.

师傅把所有的本领都传授给了徒弟。

Shīfu bǎ suǒyǒu de běnlǐng dōu chuánshòu gěi le túdì.

The master passed on all his skills to his apprentice.

徒弟们都很尊敬师傅。

Túdìmen dōu hěn zūnjìng shīfu.

The apprentices all respect their master.

Synonyms

学徒 (xué tú)

apprentice

弟子 (dì zi)

disciple

Antonyms

师傅 (shīfu)

master

老师 (lǎoshī)

teacher

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Etymology & Components

The Chinese word "徒弟" (túdì) is composed of two characters: "徒" (tú) and "弟" (dì). The character "徒" originally meant "to walk" or "to go", but it can also be used to mean "disciple" or "apprentice". The character "弟" means "younger brother" or "junior". When combined, the two characters "徒弟" literally mean "walking younger brother" or "junior who follows". This term is used to refer to a person who is learning a skill or trade from a master or teacher. In the context of Chinese culture, the relationship between a master and an apprentice is considered to be very important, and the apprentice is expected to show respect and obedience to the master. The term "徒弟" is also used to refer to someone who is a follower or supporter of a particular person or group.