noun
teacher; wise man; sage; master
Honorific term of address formerly used in China for a respected teacher or wise person. Now mainly encountered in classical or historical contexts.
夫子は弟子たちに深い教えを授けた。
The master imparted profound teachings to his disciples.
noun
Specifically refers to Confucius (孔子). Used in classical Chinese texts and their Japanese interpretations.
See also: 孔子
論語には夫子の言葉が多く記されている。
The Analects contain many sayings of Confucius.
noun
the person concerned; you; he; she
Archaic honorific second or third person pronoun, used to refer to the person in question with respect. Not used in modern Japanese.
夫子の仰せの通りに致します。
I shall do as you say, sir.