lǜshī: 律师 - Lawyer, Attorney, Barrister

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• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word for lawyer, 律师 (lǜshī). This guide provides a deep dive into its meaning, character breakdown, cultural significance, and practical usage. Whether you're navigating business in China, watching a Chinese legal drama, or simply expanding your vocabulary, understanding 律师 (lǜshī) is key to comprehending China's modern legal landscape.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): lǜ shī
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: A person qualified to advise on and represent others in legal matters.
• In a Nutshell: 律师 (lǜshī) is the universal and standard term for “lawyer” or “attorney” in Mandarin Chinese. It covers all types of legal practitioners who represent clients, from those in a corporate law firm to those defending a client in court. If you need to talk about a lawyer in any general context, this is the word you use.

• 律 (lǜ): This character means “law,” “statute,” or “rule.” It is composed of the radical 彳 (chì), which means “to step” or “to walk,” and 聿 (yù), an ancient character for a “writing brush.” You can picture it as someone walking and writing down the rules or laws for society.
• 师 (shī): This character means “teacher,” “master,” or “expert.” It's a common suffix for professions that require a high level of skill or knowledge, such as 老师 (lǎoshī - teacher) and 工程师 (gōngchéngshī - engineer).
• Combined Meaning: When you put them together, 律师 (lǜshī) literally translates to “master of the law.” This combination elegantly and accurately describes the role of a lawyer as an expert in the legal field.

The concept of a 律师 (lǜshī) in its modern, Western sense is relatively new in China. Historically, Chinese society, influenced by Confucianism, prioritized social harmony and resolving disputes through mediation, personal relationships (关系 guānxi), and community elders rather than through a formal, adversarial legal system. “Going to court” (打官司 dǎ guānsi) was often seen as a last resort, a sign of failed relationships and a disruptive act. In contrast to the litigious culture of the United States, where lawsuits are common, traditional Chinese culture viewed legal battles with skepticism. However, with China's rapid economic development and integration into the global economy, the role of the 律师 has become indispensable. Today, lawyers are crucial for everything from international business contracts to intellectual property and criminal defense. While the legal profession is now well-established and respected, the cultural preference for harmony can still influence legal strategies. A Chinese 律师 might spend more time on negotiation and seeking a mediated settlement than their Western counterpart, reflecting a cultural blend of modern legal practice and traditional values.

律师 (lǜshī) is a standard, neutral term used in all contexts, from formal to informal.

• Formal Address: It is common and respectful to address a lawyer by their surname followed by 律师. For example, a lawyer named Wang would be called 王律师 (Wáng Lǜshī), similar to “Lawyer Wang” or “Attorney Wang” in English.
• Types of Lawyers: You can specify a lawyer's specialization by adding a prefix:
  • 刑事律师 (xíngshì lǜshī): Criminal lawyer
  • 离婚律师 (líhūn lǜshī): Divorce lawyer
  • 商业律师 (shāngyè lǜshī): Business/Commercial lawyer
  • 知识产权律师 (zhīshì chǎnquán lǜshī): Intellectual Property (IP) lawyer
• In Conversation: It's used just like “lawyer” in English. You might ask a friend to recommend a good lawyer or discuss a character who is a lawyer in a TV show.

• Example 1:
  • 他是一名经验丰富的律师。
  • Pinyin: Tā shì yī míng jīngyàn fēngfù de lǜshī.
  • English: He is a very experienced lawyer.
  • Analysis: A straightforward sentence introducing someone's profession. `一名 (yī míng)` is a formal measure word for people, often used for professions.
• Example 2:
  • 我需要请一位律师来处理这份合同。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ xūyào qǐng yí wèi lǜshī lái chǔlǐ zhè fèn hétong.
  • English: I need to hire a lawyer to handle this contract.
  • Analysis: `请 (qǐng)` here means “to hire” or “to engage the services of.” `一位 (yí wèi)` is a polite measure word for a person.
• Example 3:
  • 王律师，下午的会议您准备好了吗？
  • Pinyin: Wáng Lǜshī, xiàwǔ de huìyì nín zhǔnbèi hǎo le ma?
  • English: Lawyer Wang, are you ready for this afternoon's meeting?
  • Analysis: This shows the common use of “Surname + 律师” as a formal and respectful title. Note the use of `您 (nín)` for politeness.
• Example 4:
  • 她的梦想是成为一名为人权辩护的律师。
  • Pinyin: Tā de mèngxiǎng shì chéngwéi yī míng wèi rénquán biànhù de lǜshī.
  • English: Her dream is to become a lawyer who defends human rights.
  • Analysis: This example shows how to describe a lawyer's specialization or purpose. `为人权辩护 (wèi rénquán biànhù)` means “to defend for human rights.”
• Example 5:
  • 这家律师事务所专门处理国际贸易纠纷。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā lǜshī shìwù suǒ zhuānmén chǔlǐ guójì màoyì jiūfēn.
  • English: This law firm specializes in handling international trade disputes.
  • Analysis: `律师事务所 (lǜshī shìwù suǒ)` is the specific term for “law firm.”
• Example 6:
  • 一位好的律师必须有很强的逻辑思维能力。
  • Pinyin: Yí wèi hǎo de lǜshī bìxū yǒu hěn qiáng de luójí sīwéi nénglì.
  • English: A good lawyer must have strong logical thinking skills.
  • Analysis: This sentence describes the qualities or skills required of a lawyer.
• Example 7:
  • 如果没有律师的帮助，我们肯定会输掉这场官司。
  • Pinyin: Rúguǒ méiyǒu lǜshī de bāngzhù, wǒmen kěndìng huì shū diào zhè chǎng guānsi.
  • English: Without the lawyer's help, we would definitely have lost this lawsuit.
  • Analysis: This highlights the crucial role of a lawyer in a legal case (`官司 guānsi`).
• Example 8:
  • 他在大学主修法律，毕业后就当了律师。
  • Pinyin: Tā zài dàxué zhǔxiū fǎlǜ, bìyè hòu jiù dāng le lǜshī.
  • English: He majored in law in college and became a lawyer right after graduation.
  • Analysis: `当 (dāng)` is the verb used to say “to be” or “to work as” a professional, like a lawyer.
• Example 9:
  • 你认识什么靠谱的离婚律师吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ rènshi shénme kàopǔ de líhūn lǜshī ma?
  • English: Do you know any reliable divorce lawyers?
  • Analysis: A very practical, conversational question. `靠谱 (kàopǔ)` is a colloquial term for “reliable” or “trustworthy.”
• Example 10:
  • 作为被告的律师，他的工作是为客户提供最好的辩护。
  • Pinyin: Zuòwéi bèigào de lǜshī, tā de gōngzuò shì wèi kèhù tígōng zuì hǎo de biànhù.
  • English: As the defendant's lawyer, his job is to provide the best defense for his client.
  • Analysis: This sentence clearly defines the lawyer's role in relation to the `被告 (bèigào)`, or defendant.

• Distinguishing Legal Roles: A common mistake for learners is to confuse 律师 (lǜshī) with other legal professionals. They are not interchangeable.
  • 律师 (lǜshī): A lawyer/attorney who represents a client.
  • 法官 (fǎguān): A judge who presides over the court and makes rulings.
  • 检察官 (jiǎncháguān): A prosecutor who represents the state in a criminal case.
  • Incorrect: ~~那个律师判他有罪。~~ (Nàge lǜshī pàn tā yǒuzuì.) - The lawyer sentenced him as guilty.
  • Correct: 那个法官判他有罪。 (Nàge fǎguān pàn tā yǒuzuì.) - The judge sentenced him as guilty.
• Correct Measure Word: While the general measure word `个 (ge)` can be used, it's more common and respectful to use `位 (wèi)` when referring to professionals like lawyers.
  • Acceptable (Informal): 一个律师 (yí ge lǜshī)
  • Better (Polite/Formal): 一位律师 (yí wèi lǜshī)
• Cultural Nuance vs. False Friend: 律师 (lǜshī) is not a “false friend” for “lawyer,” as the translation is direct. However, the cultural context is the key nuance. A Westerner might expect a lawyer to immediately adopt an aggressive, adversarial stance. A Chinese 律师, while fully capable of this, may first explore avenues of mediation and negotiation more thoroughly, reflecting the cultural value of maintaining harmony.

• 法律 (fǎlǜ) - Law; the legal system as a whole. 律师 are experts in 法律.
• 法官 (fǎguān) - Judge; the official who presides over a court. Distinct from a lawyer.
• 法庭 (fǎtíng) - Courtroom; court. Where a 律师 argues a case before a 法官.
• 打官司 (dǎ guānsi) - To file a lawsuit; to go to court. This is the action that requires a 律师.
• 律师事务所 (lǜshī shìwù suǒ) - Law firm. The place where a 律师 works.
• 辩护 (biànhù) - To defend (in a legal context). A key responsibility of a defense 律师.
• 被告 (bèigào) - Defendant; the accused in a legal case.
• 原告 (yuángào) - Plaintiff; the person who brings a case against another in court.
• 证据 (zhèngjù) - Evidence; proof. What a 律师 uses to build their case.
• 合同 (hétong) - Contract. A document that a 律师 often drafts or reviews.