Quick answer
師 is the kanji for "Teacher". The most common reading is いくさ (ikusa). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
Teacher
Also : Master · Expert · Model · War
Learn 師 with SRS
Free to start — no credit card. Track every review with spaced repetition.
Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
10 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 師 represents 'EXPERT'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of expert.
On-reading: し — remember this sound by associating it with expert. Kun-reading: いくさ.
Example Sentences
先生と師弟関係を築きました。
せんせいとしていかんけいをきずきました。
I built a teacher-student relationship.
医師になるために勉強しています。
いしになるためにべんきょうしています。
I'm studying to become a doctor.
Vocabulary using 師
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
Learn 師 with Spaced Repetition
InitialJ uses scientifically proven SRS to help you memorize kanji and vocabulary for the JLPT. N5 is free forever; no credit card required.