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)
大工の親方に仕事のやり方を教わった。
I learned how to do the work from the master carpenter.
現場では親方の指示に従ってください。
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.
その力士は親方の指導で強くなった。
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.
この茶碗は有名な陶芸の親方が作ったものです。
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.
古文書では「親方」が養い親を意味することがある。
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.