导师 dǎoshī tutor
tutor; teacher; academic advisor
How to remember 导师: 导 guide + 师 teacher = tutor.
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How it is used
- An academic advisor / mentor: 博士导师 (bóshì dǎoshī) doctoral supervisor, 人生导师 (life mentor).
- Higher/closer guidance role than a mere 老师; a 导师 personally supervises your research or growth.
- University and mentorship contexts.