noun
Refers to a person who provides guidance, instruction, or coaching, often in a specific skill, art, or strategic context. The term carries a nuance of a designated or official role, such as a master instructor in traditional arts or a strategic advisor.
彼は茶道の指南役を務めている。
He serves as an instructor of the tea ceremony.
将棋の指南役に就任した
He was appointed as a shogi coach.
コーチ is a common loanword for a sports or skills coach. 指南役 is more formal and often used in traditional or strategic contexts.
Compound of 指南 (shinan, 'instruction, guidance') + 役 (yaku, 'role, duty'). 指南 originally referred to pointing south, a metaphor for giving direction.