also: おやがた
master; boss; foreman; supervisor
Only with reading おやかた
Honorific term for a master craftsman, boss, or supervisor in traditional trades, construction, or manual work. Implies respect and a hierarchical relationship.
See also: 子方 (こかた)
I learned how to do the work from the master carpenter.
Please follow the foreman's instructions at the work site.
stable master (sumo)
Only with reading おやかた
Sumo term for the master of a stable (heya). An honorific title for the person who trains and manages sumo wrestlers.
That sumo wrestler became stronger under the stable master's guidance.
master craftsman; artisan
Only with reading おやかた
Honorific term for a skilled craftsman or artisan, often the head of a workshop. Overlaps with sense 1 but emphasizes the person's own skill rather than supervisory role.
This tea bowl was made by a famous master potter.
Archaic usage; historically referred to a foster parent or guardian. Not used in modern Japanese.
In old documents, 親方 can mean a foster parent.
He trained for ten years under a famous master craftsman.
Ten years later, he became a master with his own shop.
The young man apprenticed himself to that master craftsman.
Every morning the stable master strictly trains his wrestlers.