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.
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.
Formed from 指南 “guidance; instruction” and 役 “role.” 指南 originally meant pointing south and developed the figurative sense of showing someone the way.