硕士

The Chinese word "硕士" (shìshì) for "master's degree" is composed of two characters: "师" (shī) and "士" (shì). The character "师" originally meant "teacher" or "master", and it is often used in compounds related to education or learning. The character "士" originally meant "scholar" or "gentleman", and it is often used in compounds related to social status or rank. Together, the two characters "硕士" literally mean "master scholar" or "master teacher", which refers to someone who has achieved a high level of education and expertise in a particular field. In modern Chinese, "硕士" is specifically used to refer to a master's degree, which is a postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities and colleges upon completion of a program of study typically lasting one to two years.