also: とじ
chief brewer at a sake brewery
Refers specifically to the master brewer responsible for sake production. A traditional and respected role.
この酒蔵の杜氏は、若い頃から修業を積んできた。
The chief brewer of this sake brewery has been training since he was young.
杜氏の腕が酒の味を決める。
The skill of the chief brewer determines the taste of the sake.
Standard kanji spelling for the chief brewer at a sake brewery.
Kana spelling is sometimes used in explanatory contexts or when the kanji is not needed.
Alternate reading; less common than とうじ.
The origin of the reading とうじ is uncertain, but the kanji 杜氏 literally means 'Mr. To' or 'To clan', possibly from a historical figure or family associated with sake brewing.