师长

shīzhǎng

military division level commander

HSK 7

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"师长" refers specifically to a high-ranking military officer, typically a division commander or an equivalent leader in the army. It is a formal term used in military contexts.

Common Contexts

You will often see "师长" used in news reports, military discussions, or historical texts describing command structures. It implies authority and leadership over a large military unit.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 师长指挥 (division commander commands): emphasizes leadership in battle or operations.
  • 尊敬师长 (respect the commander): shows the respect given to military leaders.
  • 师长职责 (commander's duties): refers to the responsibilities held by the division commander.

Usage Notes

"师长" is not used for teachers or school principals despite "" meaning teacher. It is strictly a military term. Avoid confusing it with "校长" (principal) or "老师" (teacher). When used, it conveys formal respect and authority within the military hierarchy.

Example Sentences

师长在战场上指挥得非常果断。

Shīzhǎng zài zhànchǎng shàng zhǐhuī dé fēicháng guǒduàn.

The division commander was very decisive in commanding on the battlefield.

学生们尊敬他们的师长,因为他们不仅是老师,还是领导者。

Xuéshēngmen zūnjìng tāmen de shīzhǎng, yīnwèi tāmen bùjǐn shì lǎoshī,

The students respect their instructors because they are not only teachers

在军队中,师长的职责包括管理师部队和制定作战计划。

Zài jūnduì zhōng, shīzhǎng de zhízé bāokuò guǎnlǐ shī bùduì hé zhìdìng

In the military, the division commander's duties include managing the