‘Qín shī’ literally means ‘qin master’ or ‘qin teacher’, combining 琴 (qín), the ancient seven-stringed zither, and 师 (shī), meaning ‘teacher’, ‘master’, or ‘expert’. It refers specifically to a highly skilled practitioner or instructor of the guqin—a revered classical Chinese instrument with over 3,000 years of history. Unlike generic music teachers, a qín shī embodies deep knowledge of traditional playing techniques, repertoire, aesthetics, and the philosophical ideals tied to qin culture, such as harmony with nature and self-cultivation.

The term carries strong cultural weight and respect; it is rarely used for beginners or casual players. Historically, qín shī were often scholars, poets, or recluses who taught privately in gardens or studios, passing down oral traditions and handwritten tablature (jianzi pu). Today, qín shī may teach at conservatories, cultural centers, or online—but the title still implies authority, lineage, and profound artistic integrity.