律师 — meaning in English: lawyer

lǜshī · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for solicitor

课程

kèchéng

千元

qiān yuán

律师

lǜshī

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cháxún

棉花

miánhuā

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formal common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 律师 (lǜshī) in various situations, such as consultations regarding legal matters, discussions about court cases, or when seeking advice on contracts. You might hear this term during formal meetings, in government offices, or even in casual conversations when discussing legal rights or responsibilities.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for 律师 (lǜshī) is 法律顾问 (fǎlǜ gùwèn), meaning 'legal advisor'. While both refer to legal professionals, 律师 is specifically for those who represent clients in court, whereas 法律顾问 typically provides legal advice without representing clients in legal proceedings. You would use 律师 when discussing courtroom situations.

Culture

The term 律师 (lǜshī) combines the characters 律, meaning 'law' or 'regulation', and 师, which denotes 'master' or 'expert'. This reflects the high esteem in which lawyers are held in Chinese society, often seen as guardians of justice. Historically, the role of lawyers began to formalize during the Qing Dynasty, evolving into a respected profession that plays a crucial part in upholding the rule of law in modern China.

FAQ

Q.What is the proper pronunciation of 律师?

The proper pronunciation of 律师 is lǜshī, with the tone for 律 (lǜ) being a falling tone and 师 (shī) being a high, even tone.

Q.What is the role of a 律师 in China?

A 律师 in China represents clients in legal cases, offers legal advice, and helps navigate the judicial system, similar to lawyers in other countries.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using the word 律师?

A common mistake is using 律师 interchangeably with 法官 (fǎguān), which means 'judge'. While both are involved in the legal system, 律师 represents clients, whereas 法官 makes rulings in court.

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