親方
also: おやがた
Meanings
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.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉の下で修業するto train under a master
He trained for ten years under a famous master craftsman.
- 親方になるto become a master/boss (of a workshop or crew)
Ten years later, he became a master with his own shop.
- 〈人〉に弟子入りするto apprentice oneself to a master
The young man apprenticed himself to that master craftsman.
- 親方が弟子を指導するthe (sumo) stable master trains his disciples
Every morning the stable master strictly trains his wrestlers.