This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 noun #4,500 most common 10 min read

律师

lv shi Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 律师 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 律师 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that 律师 (lǜshī) means 'lawyer.' You should be able to recognize it as a job title, similar to 老师 (lǎoshī - teacher) or 医生 (yīshēng - doctor). At this stage, you might use it in very simple sentences to describe your family or your goals, such as '我爸爸是律师' (My dad is a lawyer) or '我想当律师' (I want to be a lawyer). Focus on the pronunciation, specifically the 'ü' sound in 'lǜ,' and remember that it is a noun. You don't need to worry about complex legal terms yet; just treat it as a common profession word you might encounter in a basic vocabulary list about jobs.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use 律师 (lǜshī) in slightly more functional contexts. You should know how to use the measure word '位' (wèi) to speak respectfully, as in '一位律师' (a lawyer). You can also start using common verbs like '请' (qǐng - to hire) or '找' (zhǎo - to look for). For example, '我需要找一位律师' (I need to find a lawyer). You should also be aware that when addressing a lawyer, you put their surname first, like '张律师' (Lawyer Zhang). This level is about moving from just knowing the word to using it in basic social or professional interactions.

At the B1 level, you can use 律师 (lǜshī) in more varied contexts, such as describing what a lawyer does or discussing basic legal issues. You should be familiar with phrases like '咨询律师' (consult a lawyer) and '律师事务所' (law firm). You might explain why someone needs a lawyer, using conjunctions: '因为他有法律问题，所以他请了律师' (Because he has legal problems, he hired a lawyer). You should also begin to notice the word in news stories or TV dramas. At this level, you understand that 律师 is a professional title and can distinguish it from similar-sounding words like 老师 with confidence.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 律师 (lǜshī) in professional or academic discussions. You can talk about different types of lawyers, such as '辩护律师' (defense lawyer) or '公司律师' (corporate lawyer). You understand the nuance of '律师函' (lawyer's letter) and can discuss the role of lawyers in society or business. You might use the word in complex sentences involving relative clauses or passive structures: '被律师建议不要说话的那个男人...' (The man who was advised by the lawyer not to speak...). Your vocabulary should also include related terms like '委托' (to entrust) and '代理' (to represent).

At the C1 level, you have a nuanced understanding of 律师 (lǜshī) and its place in the Chinese legal system. You can discuss the ethical obligations of a 律师 (职业道德) and the process of becoming one (passing the 司法考试). You are aware of the historical evolution of the term and how it differs from traditional Chinese legal roles. You can read legal articles or news reports where '律师' is used in the context of policy changes or international law. You can also use formal synonyms like '诉讼代理人' when appropriate and understand the subtle differences in register between '律师' and '法律专家'.

At the C2 level, you can use 律师 (lǜshī) and its related terminology with native-like precision. You can participate in high-level debates about the independence of 律师 in the legal system or the impact of AI on the 律师 profession. You understand literary or historical references to legal figures and can use the word in highly specialized contexts, such as '海事律师' (maritime lawyer) or '知识产权律师' (IP lawyer). You can write professional legal correspondence or academic papers where '律师' is a central concept, demonstrating a mastery of both the linguistic and cultural depth of the term.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

律师 in 30 Seconds

律师 (lǜshī) translates to 'lawyer' or 'attorney' and is a common noun used for legal professionals in all contexts, from criminal to corporate law.
The word is composed of 律 (law) and 师 (master), implying a high level of expertise and professional respect within the legal community.
It is usually paired with the respectful measure word 位 (wèi) and follows the surname when used as a title, such as 王律师.
Commonly heard in legal dramas, news, and business, it represents the modern shift toward a formal legal framework in Chinese society.

The Chinese word 律师 (lǜshī) is the standard term for a 'lawyer' or 'attorney.' To understand this word deeply, one must look at its component characters. The first character, 律 (lǜ), translates to 'law,' 'rule,' or 'statute.' It historically refers to the rhythmic patterns in music or the strict regulations governing society. The second character, 师 (shī), means 'master,' 'teacher,' or 'specialist.' Together, they describe a 'master of the law'—someone who possesses specialized knowledge of legal statues and is qualified to represent others. In modern Chinese society, being a 律师 is considered a prestigious 'golden-collar' profession, reflecting years of rigorous study and passing the National Unified Legal Professional Qualification Examination.

Professional Status: In China, a 律师 is more than just a legal representative; they are often seen as mediators between the state's rigid statutes and the complex realities of interpersonal or corporate relationships. Unlike the word 'teacher' (老师), which uses the same second character, a 律师's authority comes from their certification by the Ministry of Justice.

我想咨询一下我的律师。(I want to consult my lawyer.)

You will encounter this word in a variety of settings, ranging from formal courtrooms to casual conversations about contracts or real estate. In the corporate world, a 律师 is indispensable for drafting 'he tong' (contracts) and ensuring compliance with local regulations. In personal life, people might seek a 律师 for inheritance issues, divorce proceedings, or property disputes. The term is neutral but carries a sense of authority. When addressing a lawyer directly, it is customary to use their surname followed by the title, such as 'Wang Lüshī' (Lawyer Wang), rather than just calling them by their name.

The role of the 律师 has evolved significantly in China over the last few decades. Following the legal reforms of the late 20th century, the legal profession has expanded from state-employed legal workers to independent private practitioners. Today, 律师 play a crucial role in international trade, intellectual property rights, and human rights advocacy. When you see this word in news headlines, it often relates to high-profile litigation or changes in the legal code. Understanding 律师 requires recognizing that they are the bridge between the written 'lǜ' (law) and the practical application of justice in a rapidly changing society.

Social Perception: Traditionally, Chinese society favored mediation over litigation. However, the 'lüshi' is now a central figure in urban life, symbolizing the shift towards a 'rule of law' (fǎzhì) society where individual and corporate rights are protected through formal channels.

这位律师在处理合同纠纷方面非常有经验。(This lawyer is very experienced in handling contract disputes.)

Using 律师 (lǜshī) correctly involves understanding its common verb pairings. The most basic construction is '当律师' (dāng lǜshī), which means 'to be a lawyer' or 'to work as a lawyer.' For example, '我长大以后想当律师' (I want to be a lawyer when I grow up). Here, '当' acts as the verb 'to become' or 'to serve as.' Another essential verb is '请' (qǐng), which in this context means 'to hire' or 'to engage the services of.' You would say '请律师' to mean hiring a lawyer for a case.

Common Verb Patterns: 1. 咨询律师 (zīxún lǜshī): To consult a lawyer. 2. 委托律师 (wěituō lǜshī): To entrust/appoint a lawyer. 3. 辩护律师 (biànhù lǜshī): Defense lawyer (noun phrase).

你需要请一位律师来保护你的合法权益。(You need to hire a lawyer to protect your legal rights.)

When describing the attributes of a lawyer, you can use adjectives like '资深' (zīshēn - senior/experienced), '有名' (yǒumíng - famous), or '专业' (zhuānyè - professional). For instance, '他是一位非常专业的律师' (He is a very professional lawyer). Note that in Chinese, we don't usually pluralize 律师 unless we use '们' (men) for '律师们' (lawyers), which is common when addressing a group or speaking about the profession collectively. However, in most sentences, the number is indicated by the measure word or context.

In complex sentences, 律师 often functions as the subject or the object of legal actions. For example, '律师建议我们暂时不要发表评论' (The lawyer suggested that we should not make comments for the time being). Here, the lawyer is the source of advice. Conversely, '警察不允许律师进入审讯室' (The police do not allow the lawyer to enter the interrogation room) places the lawyer as the recipient of an action. Understanding these syntactic roles helps in constructing fluid and natural-sounding sentences in professional contexts.

Sentence Structures: Subject + 是 + 律师 (Identifying someone's profession). Subject + 请 + 律师 + 做某事 (Hiring a lawyer to do something). 律师 + 认为/建议 + Clause (Lawyer's opinion or suggestion).

作为一名律师，他必须遵守职业道德。(As a lawyer, he must abide by professional ethics.)

The word 律师 (lǜshī) is a staple of modern Chinese media and daily life. You will hear it frequently in 'legal dramas' (律政剧 - lǜzhèng jù), which are incredibly popular in Mainland China and Hong Kong. Shows like 'The Good Wife' (Chinese adaptation) or 'The Best Partner' (精英律师) feature the word in almost every scene, depicting the high-stakes world of law firms and litigation. In these contexts, you'll hear terms like '合伙律师' (partner lawyer) and '实习律师' (intern lawyer).

Media Contexts: News broadcasts frequently use '律师' when reporting on high-profile criminal trials or international trade disputes. You might hear: '被告人的律师表示...' (The defendant's lawyer stated...).

他在那部电视剧里演一个很有才华的律师。(He plays a very talented lawyer in that TV drama.)

In everyday urban life, you'll see signs for '律师事务所' (lǜshī shìwùsuǒ - law firms) in commercial districts. If you are involved in business in China, your colleagues will mention their '公司律师' (company lawyer) or '法律顾问' (legal counsel). During the purchase of a home, you might hear the real estate agent say, '我们需要律师来核对合同' (We need a lawyer to verify the contract). The word carries a connotation of safety and procedural correctness in these scenarios.

Furthermore, the term is common in social media discussions about rights and justice. On platforms like Weibo or Zhihu, users often ask for '律师建议' (lawyer's advice) regarding consumer rights or employment disputes. The phrase '律师函' (lǜshī hán - lawyer's letter) has even become a bit of a meme in China, referring to formal cease-and-desist letters sent by celebrities to silence rumors or by companies to threaten legal action. Hearing '我给你发律师函' (I'll send you a lawyer's letter) is a common way people express that they are taking a matter seriously.

Professional Environment: In a '律师事务所', the atmosphere is usually formal. You will hear the word used with high-frequency verbs like '审核' (shěnhé - to audit/review) and '签署' (qiānshǔ - to sign).

如果你收到律师函，不要慌张，先咨询专业人士。(If you receive a lawyer's letter, don't panic; consult a professional first.)

One of the most frequent mistakes for beginners is confusing 律师 (lǜshī) with 老师 (lǎoshī). Both end with the 'shī' sound, which means 'master.' However, the first tone of 'lǎo' (old/venerable) and the fourth tone of 'lǜ' (law) are distinct. Accidentally calling your lawyer 'Lǎo Shī' might make them think you are their student, while calling your teacher 'Lǜ Shī' might lead them to believe you're looking for legal advice in the classroom! Always pay close attention to the 'lǜ' sound—it requires a rounded-lip 'u' (ü) sound that doesn't exist in English.

Pronunciation Pitfall: The 'ü' in 'lǜ' is often mispronounced as 'u'. If you say 'lùshī', you might be misunderstood as saying 'road master' (not a real word, but confusing). Keep your lips tight and round for 'lǜ'.

错：他是我的老师。(Wrong if referring to a lawyer) 对：他是我的律师。(Correct: He is my lawyer.)

Another common error is the use of measure words. While '个' (gè) is the generic measure word, it is considered slightly informal or even disrespectful when referring to professionals like lawyers. In a professional or respectful context, always use '位' (wèi). Saying '三个律师' (three lawyers) is grammatically okay but sounds like you are counting objects. '三位律师' sounds much more appropriate and acknowledges their status as respected professionals.

Learners also sometimes confuse 律师 with other legal roles, such as 法官 (fǎguān - judge) or 检察官 (jiǎncháguān - prosecutor). While they all work in the '法律' (fǎlǜ - law) field, their roles are distinct. A 律师 represents a client, while a 法官 presides over the court. Using '律师' to refer to the person sitting on the bench in a courtroom is a significant factual error. Lastly, avoid using '律师' as a verb. You cannot '律师' someone; you must '请律师' or '委托律师'.

Usage Summary: Correct: 我请了律师。(I hired a lawyer.) Incorrect: 我律师了他。(I 'lawyered' him - this doesn't work in Chinese.)

请注意：律师是职业名称，不能直接当作动词使用。(Please note: Lawyer is a professional noun and cannot be used directly as a verb.)

While 律师 (lǜshī) is the general term for lawyer, several other words are used depending on the specific legal context. 法律顾问 (fǎlǜ gùwèn), meaning 'legal consultant' or 'legal counsel,' is often used in corporate settings. While a 律师 might represent you in court, a 法律顾问 typically provides ongoing legal advice to a company. They are often 律师 by profession, but their role is consultative.

Comparison: 律师 vs. 法律顾问: 律师: General term for anyone licensed to practice law. 法律顾问: Specifically refers to someone providing legal guidance, often to an organization.

我们公司的法律顾问建议修改这个条款，但律师会负责法庭辩护。(Our company's legal counsel suggests modifying this clause, but the lawyer will handle the courtroom defense.)

In criminal cases, you might encounter the term 辩护人 (biànhùrén), which means 'defender.' While a 辩护人 is usually a 律师, the term specifically highlights their role in defending the accused. Conversely, 诉讼代理人 (sùsòng dàilǐrén) is a more formal term for a 'litigation agent,' which includes lawyers representing either side in a civil case. These terms are more common in legal documents than in daily speech.

Another related term is 法务 (fǎwù), which refers to 'legal affairs' or a 'legal department.' If someone says they '做法务' (zuò fǎwù), they work in a company's legal department, but they might not necessarily be a licensed 律师 (though they often are). Finally, there is 大律师 (dà lǜshī), which is the Chinese term for a 'barrister' (commonly used in Hong Kong) or a particularly prestigious lawyer in Mainland China. Choosing the right term depends on whether you are emphasizing the person's license (律师), their advisory role (顾问), or their specific function in a trial (辩护人).

Synonym Quick Reference: 1. 辩护律师: Defense attorney. 2. 公职律师: Public lawyer/Government lawyer. 3. 实习律师: Trainee/Intern lawyer.

如果你想打赢这场官司，你需要找一位资深的诉讼律师。(If you want to win this lawsuit, you need to find an experienced litigation lawyer.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Before the modern term '律师' was standardized, legal practitioners in ancient China were often called '讼师' (sòngshī). However, '讼师' often had a negative connotation of being 'tricksters' who encouraged litigation for profit.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈlɔːjə/

US /ˈlɔɪər/

The stress in 'lǜshī' is on the first syllable 'lǜ' (fourth tone), followed by 'shī' (first tone).

Rhymes With

老师 (lǎoshī) 厨师 (chúshī) 医师 (yīshēng - partial rhyme) 法师 (fǎshī) 讲师 (jiǎngshī) 宗师 (zōngshī) 设计师 (shèjìshī) 理发师 (lǐfàshī)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'lǜ' as 'lù' (failing to round the lips for the 'ü' sound).
Confusing the tones: saying 'lǚshī' (third tone) instead of 'lǜshī' (fourth tone).
Confusing 'lǜshī' with 'lǎoshī' (teacher) because of the shared 'shī' sound.
Pronouncing 'shī' as 'sī' (failing to curl the tongue for the retroflex 'sh').
Mixing up the 'l' and 'n' sounds in some dialects, resulting in 'nǜshī'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The characters are relatively common, but 'lǜ' has some strokes to remember.

Writing 3/5

Writing '律' and '师' correctly requires attention to stroke order, especially the left side of '律'.

Speaking 3/5

The 'ü' sound in 'lǜ' and the retroflex 'sh' in 'shī' can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Easily confused with '老师' (teacher) if the tones aren't clear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

法律 (Law) 老师 (Teacher) 人 (Person) 做 (To do) 位 (Measure word)

Learn Next

法庭 (Court) 法官 (Judge) 合同 (Contract) 纠纷 (Dispute) 证据 (Evidence)

Advanced

诉讼 (Litigation) 仲裁 (Arbitration) 职业操守 (Professional ethics) 法律效力 (Legal validity) 刑事责任 (Criminal responsibility)

Grammar to Know

Measure words for people (位 vs 个)

一位律师 (Respectful) vs 一个律师 (General).

Professional titles placement

Surname + Title: 王律师 (Lawyer Wang).

Using '当' for professions

他想当律师 (He wants to be a lawyer).

Possessive '的' with professions

律师的意见 (The lawyer's opinion).

Preposition '和' with verbs of communication

我和律师谈了谈 (I talked with the lawyer).

Examples by Level

他是律师。

He is a lawyer.

Simple Subject + 是 + Noun structure.

我爸爸是律师。

My father is a lawyer.

Possessive 'my' (我) + Subject + 是 + Noun.

你想当律师吗？

Do you want to be a lawyer?

当 (dāng) is used for 'to be' a profession.

她不是律师。

She is not a lawyer.

Negative structure using 不是.

我认识一个律师。

I know a lawyer.

Using '一个' as a basic measure word.

律师很忙。

Lawyers are very busy.

Subject + 很 + Adjective.

那是律师的书。

That is the lawyer's book.

Possessive marker '的' (de).

律师在那儿。

The lawyer is over there.

Location structure using 在.

请问，王律师在吗？

Excuse me, is Lawyer Wang in?

Surname + Title is the standard way to address a professional.

我需要请一位律师。

I need to hire a lawyer.

Using '位' (wèi) as a respectful measure word.

这位律师很有名。

This lawyer is very famous.

Demonstrative '这位' (this).

律师告诉我要准时。

The lawyer told me to be on time.

Verb '告诉' (to tell) with an object and a clause.

我下午要去见律师。

I am going to see a lawyer this afternoon.

Time phrase '下午' + 要 + Verb.

律师的办公室很大。

The lawyer's office is very large.

Possessive '的' + Noun phrase.

你想和律师说话吗？

Do you want to speak with the lawyer?

Structure '和...说话' (speak with...).

他当了十年律师了。

He has been a lawyer for ten years.

Duration of action using '了...了' structure.

你应该先咨询律师再签合同。

You should consult a lawyer before signing the contract.

先...再... (First... then...) structure.

他在一家著名的律师事务所工作。

He works in a famous law firm.

在 + Location + Verb.

律师正在为他的客户辩护。

The lawyer is defending his client.

正在 (zhèngzài) indicates an action in progress.

如果没有律师，我们不知道该怎么办。

If it weren't for the lawyer, we wouldn't know what to do.

Conditional '如果...就...' (though '就' is implied here).

律师建议我们私下解决这个问题。

The lawyer suggested we resolve this issue privately.

Verb '建议' (to suggest) followed by a clause.

那位律师处理过很多类似的案件。

That lawyer has handled many similar cases.

Verb + '过' (guò) indicates past experience.

我们要听从律师的专业意见。

We should follow the lawyer's professional opinion.

听从 (tīngcóng) means to obey or follow advice.

虽然他是律师，但他也很喜欢艺术。

Although he is a lawyer, he also likes art very much.

Conjunction '虽然...但是...' (although... but...).

律师函通常是解决争议的第一步。

A lawyer's letter is usually the first step in resolving a dispute.

Noun + 函 (hán) refers to a formal letter.

作为辩护律师，他必须保持中立和客观。

As a defense lawyer, he must remain neutral and objective.

作为 (zuòwéi) means 'in the capacity of'.

律师详细地解释了合同中的每一项条款。

The lawyer explained every clause in the contract in detail.

Adverbial '地' (de) connecting '详细' (detailed) to the verb.

他被公认为该领域最顶尖的律师之一。

He is recognized as one of the top lawyers in this field.

Passive '被' (bèi) + '公认为' (recognized as).

律师费太高了，普通人很难负担得起。

Lawyer fees are too high; it's hard for ordinary people to afford them.

Potential complement '负担得起' (can afford).

这位律师以其严谨的工作态度而闻名。

This lawyer is famous for his rigorous work attitude.

Structure '以...而闻名' (famous for...).

律师在法庭上提出了有力的证据。

The lawyer presented strong evidence in court.

在...上 (in/at...) indicating location.

他决定委托律师来处理这件复杂的遗产纠纷。

He decided to entrust a lawyer to handle this complex inheritance dispute.

委托 (wěituō) means to entrust or commission.

律师的职业道德要求他们为客户保守秘密。

The professional ethics of lawyers require them to keep secrets for their clients.

职业道德 (zhíyè dàodé) refers to professional ethics.

在这一案件中，律师的辩护策略起到了关键作用。

In this case, the lawyer's defense strategy played a key role.

起到...作用 (to play a... role).

由于律师的介入，双方最终达成了和解。

Due to the lawyer's intervention, both parties finally reached a settlement.

由于 (yóuyú) means 'due to' or 'owing to'.

他不仅是一位成功的律师，还是一位著名的法学教授。

He is not only a successful lawyer but also a famous law professor.

不仅...还... (Not only... but also...).

律师对现行法律的解读引发了广泛的社会讨论。

The lawyer's interpretation of current laws triggered widespread social discussion.

解读 (jiědú) means interpretation or reading of a text.

作为一名人权律师，她经常为弱势群体发声。

As a human rights lawyer, she often speaks out for vulnerable groups.

发声 (fāshēng) metaphorically means to speak out or advocate.

律师事务所的合伙人制度在法律界非常普遍。

The partnership system in law firms is very common in the legal profession.

合伙人 (héhuǒrén) means partner (in business).

该律师因其在国际仲裁领域的卓越贡献而获奖。

The lawyer was awarded for his outstanding contributions to international arbitration.

因...而... (Because of... therefore...).

律师在维护社会正义与程序公正中扮演着不可或缺的角色。

Lawyers play an indispensable role in maintaining social justice and procedural fairness.

扮演...角色 (to play a... role).

这种复杂的跨国并购案需要顶尖律师团队的通力协作。

This complex cross-border M&A case requires the full cooperation of a top lawyer team.

通力协作 (tōnglì xiézuò) is a formal idiom for concerted effort.

律师必须在法律框架内最大限度地争取客户的利益。

Lawyers must strive to maximize the interests of their clients within the legal framework.

最大限度地 (zuìdà xiàndù de) means 'to the maximum extent'.

尽管证据确凿，辩护律师依然试图寻找法律程序的漏洞。

Despite conclusive evidence, the defense lawyer still tried to find loopholes in the legal procedures.

尽管...依然... (Despite... still...).

律师的言辞在法庭辩论中具有极强的逻辑性和说服力。

The lawyer's words have strong logic and persuasiveness in courtroom debates.

具有 (jùyǒu) is a formal verb for 'to possess' or 'to have'.

随着法律市场的全球化，双语律师的需求日益增长。

With the globalization of the legal market, the demand for bilingual lawyers is growing daily.

随着... (Along with...) indicating a simultaneous development.

律师职业的准入门槛极高，需要深厚的法学功底和实践经验。

The entry barrier for the lawyer profession is extremely high, requiring deep legal knowledge and practical experience.

准入门槛 (zhǔnrù ménkǎn) means entry barrier.

一些资深律师退居二线后，选择担任仲裁员或调解员。

After retiring from the front line, some senior lawyers choose to serve as arbitrators or mediators.

退居二线 (tuìjū èrxiàn) is an idiom meaning to step back from the front line/active role.

Common Collocations

请律师

当律师

资深律师

律师事务所

律师费

律师函

辩护律师

咨询律师

委托律师

律师执照

Common Phrases

律师团

— A legal team or a group of lawyers working together. Often used for high-profile cases.

那个大公司有一个庞大的律师团。

首席律师

— Lead counsel or chief lawyer. The primary lawyer in charge of a case.

她是这个案件的首席律师。

公司律师

— Corporate lawyer. A lawyer specializing in business and corporate law.

公司律师负责审核所有的商业合同。

私人律师

— Personal lawyer. A lawyer hired by an individual for personal legal matters.

很多有钱人都有自己的私人律师。

法律援助律师

— Legal aid lawyer. A lawyer who provides free services to those who cannot afford them.

政府为他指派了一名法律援助律师。

人权律师

— Human rights lawyer. A lawyer specializing in defending human rights.

她作为人权律师在国际上很有名。

刑辩律师

— Criminal defense lawyer. Short for 刑事辩护律师.

他是国内顶尖的刑辩律师。

民事律师

— Civil lawyer. A lawyer handling civil disputes like property or divorce.

民事律师处理的案件通常不涉及犯罪。

知名律师

— Well-known or famous lawyer. A lawyer with high public visibility.

这位知名律师经常出现在电视节目中。

实习律师

— Junior lawyer or intern lawyer. Someone training to be a fully licensed lawyer.

实习律师在拿到执照前不能独立办案。

Often Confused With

律师 vs 老师 (lǎoshī)

Confused due to the shared 'shī' sound. 'Lǜshī' is lawyer, 'lǎoshī' is teacher.

律师 vs 法官 (fǎguān)

Both work in courts, but a lawyer represents a client while a judge decides the case.

律师 vs 法务 (fǎwù)

'Lawyer' is a person; 'Legal affairs' is a department or a type of work.

Idioms & Expressions

"铁齿铜牙"

— Literally 'iron teeth and bronze fangs.' It describes someone very eloquent and sharp-tongued, often used to describe great lawyers.

张律师真是铁齿铜牙，在法庭上说得对方哑口无言。

Informal/Literary

"仗义执言"

— To speak out for justice. Often used to praise lawyers who take on difficult cases for the public good.

律师应当为弱势群体仗义执言。

Formal/Commendatory

"据理力争"

— To argue strongly on the basis of reason. A core skill for any good lawyer.

律师在法庭上为客户据理力争。

Neutral

"依法办事"

— To act according to the law. The fundamental principle of the legal profession.

作为律师，我们必须依法办事。

Formal

"明察秋毫"

— To see things with great clarity, even the smallest detail. Used for lawyers who find tiny loopholes or evidence.

那位资深律师明察秋毫，发现了合同中的漏洞。

Literary

"言辞犀利"

— Sharp and incisive speech. Often used to describe a lawyer's debating style.

他的辩护言辞犀利，直击要害。

Neutral

"循法守法"

— To follow and abide by the law strictly.

律师不仅要懂法，更要循法守法。

Formal

"公正无私"

— Just and selfless. While more common for judges, it's a desired trait for legal professionals.

律师在处理案件时应保持公正无私。

Formal

"巧舌如簧"

— To have a silver tongue (often used derogatorily). Sometimes used to criticize lawyers who manipulate words.

有些人认为律师都是些巧舌如簧的人。

Derogatory

"洗冤泽屈"

— To right wrongs and clear the names of the innocent. The ultimate goal of a defense lawyer.

这位律师致力于为无辜者洗冤泽屈。

Literary/Formal

Easily Confused

律师 vs 老师

Similar pronunciation.

Lawyer vs Teacher. Tones are different (4th vs 3rd).

老师在教书，律师在辩护。

律师 vs 法官

Related field.

Lawyer (advocate) vs Judge (decision maker).

律师向法官提交证据。

律师 vs 检察官

Courtroom roles.

Lawyer (often private) vs Prosecutor (state).

检察官起诉，律师辩护。

律师 vs 法律

Root word.

Law (concept/noun) vs Lawyer (person).

律师研究法律。

律师 vs 师傅

Shared 'master' concept.

Master/Skilled worker vs Lawyer.

修车的师傅不是律师。

Sentence Patterns

S + 是 + 律师。

他是律师。

S + 想当 + 律师。

我想当律师。

S + 请 + 律师 + VP。

他请律师帮他写合同。

S + 咨询 + 律师 + 关于 + N。

他咨询律师关于离婚的事。

作为 + 律师，S + 应该 + VP。

作为律师，他应该守法。

律师 + 建议 + S + (不要) + VP。

律师建议我不要签这个合同。

由于 + 律师的 + N，S + VP。

由于律师的努力，他赢了官司。

S + 被 + 律师 + 视为 + N。

这个证据被律师视为关键。

Word Family

Nouns

律师 (Lawyer)

律师事务所 (Law firm)

律师费 (Lawyer fees)

律师函 (Lawyer's letter)

律师团 (Legal team)

律政 (Legal affairs)

Verbs

当律师 (To be a lawyer)

请律师 (To hire a lawyer)

咨询律师 (To consult a lawyer)

委托律师 (To entrust a lawyer)

Adjectives

律师的 (Legal/Lawyerly)

律政的 (Law-related)

法律 (Law)

法官 (Judge)

法庭 (Court)

案件 (Case)

合同 (Contract)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in urban settings, news, and professional environments.

Common Mistakes

Using '老师' instead of '律师'. → 律师 (lǜshī)
This is a tone and initial sound mistake. 'Lǎo' is 3rd tone, 'Lǜ' is 4th tone with a different vowel.
Saying '律师王' instead of '王律师'. → 王律师 (Wáng lǜshī)
In Chinese, titles follow the surname, unlike in English where 'Lawyer Wang' or 'Doctor Smith' puts the title first.
Using '个' for lawyers in a formal setting. → 位 (wèi)
'个' is too informal for professionals. Use '位' to show respect.
Confusing '律师' with '法律'. → 律师 (Person) vs 法律 (Concept)
You can't say 'I want to be a 法律'. You must say 'I want to be a 律师'.
Using '律师' as a verb (e.g., '我律师他'). → 我请律师起诉他。
Lawyer is a noun. You must use a verb like '请' (hire) or '起诉' (sue).

Tips

Master the 'ü'

The 'ü' in 'lǜ' is the most important part. Round your lips as if you are saying 'oo' but try to say 'ee'. If you don't round your lips, it will sound like 'lù' (road).

Use Titles Correctly

Never call a lawyer just by their name in a professional setting. Always use '[Surname] 律师'. It shows you understand Chinese professional culture.

Measure Words Matter

When writing or speaking formally, use '位' (wèi). For example, '三位律师' sounds much better than '三个律师' when referring to a group of professionals.

Learn the Firm

Learn '律师事务所' (law firm) together with '律师'. You will almost always see them together on signs and in business cards.

Consulting vs. Hiring

Know the difference between '咨询' (consulting) and '委托' (entrusting/hiring). You '咨询' a lawyer for advice and '委托' them to represent you.

Legal Dramas

Watch Chinese legal dramas to hear the word in context. It will help you learn the surrounding vocabulary like '证据' (evidence) and '法庭' (court).

Stroke Order

Pay attention to the 'shī' (师) character. The left side is often written incorrectly by beginners. Practice the vertical stroke followed by the hook.

The 'Teacher' Link

Since you likely already know '老师' (teacher), use it to remember '律师'. They both end in 'shī' because they are both 'masters' of their craft.

Lawyer's Letters

If you see '律师函' on Weibo, it usually means a celebrity is threatening to sue someone for rumors. It's a very common modern term.

Corporate Law

In business, use '法律顾问' (legal counsel) to sound more professional when referring to the person who checks your contracts.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 律师 (lǜshī) as a 'Law Master.' The 'lǜ' sounds like 'law' (if you stretch your imagination) and 'shī' is the same as in 'lǎoshī' (teacher). So, a lawyer is a teacher of the law.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing in a courtroom (shī) holding a book of strict rules (lǜ). The 'ü' in lǜ looks like two eyes looking closely at the law.

Word Web

法律 (Law) 法庭 (Court) 法官 (Judge) 老师 (Teacher) 师傅 (Master) 纪律 (Discipline) 法律顾问 (Legal Counsel) 辩护 (Defense)

Challenge

Try to say 'Lǜshī' five times fast without it sounding like 'Lǎoshī.' Then, write a sentence using both words: '我的老师想当律师。' (My teacher wants to be a lawyer.)

Word Origin

The term 律师 (lǜshī) is a compound of two ancient characters. '律' (lǜ) originally referred to bamboo pitch pipes used to set the standard for musical tones, which evolved to mean 'standards' or 'laws.' '师' (shī) originally meant a military division but came to mean a 'master' or 'expert' in a specific field.

Original meaning: In ancient contexts, 'lǜshī' could refer to a master of musical temperament or a high-ranking Buddhist monk (Vinaya Master) who specialized in monastic rules. Its modern use for 'legal professional' was adopted in the late 19th/early 20th century.

Sino-Tibetan, Chinese branch.

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing 'human rights lawyers' in China, as it can sometimes be a politically sensitive topic depending on the context of the conversation.

In English-speaking countries, 'lawyer' is a broad term. In the UK, it's split into 'solicitors' and 'barristers.' Chinese uses 律师 for both, though '大律师' is used in HK for barristers.

精英律师 (The Best Partner) - A popular Chinese TV show about high-end lawyers. 何以笙箫默 (My Sunshine) - Features a famous male lead who is a successful lawyer. 周星驰 (Stephen Chow) movies often feature '讼师' (ancient lawyers) in a comedic light.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Law Firm

我想找王律师。
你们的律师费怎么收？
我需要咨询一些法律问题。
这里是律师事务所吗？

In a Courtroom

辩护律师请发言。
律师提交了新证据。
被告律师表示反对。
法官询问律师的意见。

Business Meetings

我们需要律师审核合同。
这是我们的公司律师。
律师建议修改这个条款。
律师正在起草协议。

Casual Conversation

我朋友是律师。
当律师压力很大吧？
你认识靠谱的律师吗？
他当律师很多年了。

News/Media

律师函已发出。
据律师透露...
知名律师接受采访。
律师团队正在介入。

Conversation Starters

"你觉得当律师是一份好工作吗？ (Do you think being a lawyer is a good job?)"

"如果你遇到法律问题，你会先请律师吗？ (If you encounter a legal problem, would you hire a lawyer first?)"

"你最喜欢的律政剧（法律剧）是哪部？ (What is your favorite legal drama?)"

"在你的国家，律师的社会地位高吗？ (In your country, is the social status of lawyers high?)"

"你想过让你孩子以后当律师吗？ (Have you ever thought about letting your child become a lawyer in the future?)"

Journal Prompts

写一写如果你是一名律师，你会想处理什么样的案件。(Write about what kind of cases you would want to handle if you were a lawyer.)

描述一次你或者你认识的人咨询律师的经历。(Describe an experience when you or someone you know consulted a lawyer.)

谈谈你对‘律师函’在社交媒体上流行的看法。(Talk about your views on the popularity of 'lawyer's letters' on social media.)

如果你可以采访一位著名律师，你会问他什么问题？(If you could interview a famous lawyer, what questions would you ask him?)

讨论一下人工智能是否在未来会取代律师的工作。(Discuss whether artificial intelligence will replace the work of lawyers in the future.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

You should use their surname followed by '律师' (Lǜshī). For example, if their surname is Zhang, call them 'Zhang Lǜshī'. This is respectful and professional.

Yes, '律师' is a gender-neutral term in Chinese. You can use it for anyone regardless of gender.

The most appropriate measure word is '位' (wèi), which is used for respected people. '个' (gè) is also grammatically correct but less formal.

No, '律师' is only a noun. To say you are using a lawyer, say '请律师' (hire a lawyer) or '咨询律师' (consult a lawyer).

It is a 'law firm.' '事务所' (shìwùsuǒ) means 'office' or 'firm' for professional services.

Yes. '律师' is the general profession. '辩护人' is a specific role in a trial (the defender). Most '辩护人' are '律师', but the terms focus on different things.

It means 'lawyer's letter.' It's a formal letter sent by a lawyer to demand something or warn of legal action.

It is very difficult. One must pass the 'National Unified Legal Professional Qualification Examination,' which has a very low pass rate.

Sometimes people call elder or respected professionals '老师' as a sign of respect, but in a formal legal setting, '律师' is more accurate and common.

A '实习律师' is an intern or trainee lawyer who is working towards getting their full practicing license.