User Comments - karbuk

Posted on: Going to the Gas Station

Ah that makes sense. I figured it was something like that. I didn't realize there was somewhat of a class separation thing going on there. Members of workers guilds were often called 'master' in Europe, so I guess it is something along those lines. I appreciate the information! xie xie ni!

Posted on: Going to the Gas Station

Question about the use of 师傅 Here in the States we know it as 'master' as in Kung-fu master. This is the first time I have heard of it in reference to a worker. My wife (who is American born Chinese, but speaks Mandarin) categorically states that no one would be called that unless they are a kung-fu master. I disagreed, citing that US English is different in usage than UK English sometimes, and that maybe it is a China specific thing. This resulted in a fight. Has anyone else heard this usage? If I actually said it to someone in Beijing, would they laugh at me or is it common enough to be accepted?

Thanks!

Steve