おはようございます、先生
ohayō gozaimasu, sensei
The English phrase "good morning miss" is translated into Japanese as おはようございます、先生 (ohayō gozaimasu, sensei).
This phrase is a polite morning greeting used specifically to address a female teacher. In a school setting, the term 先生 serves as the appropriate substitute for titles like "Miss" or "Ms."
Which one should you use?
The full phrase おはようございます、先生 is polite and suitable for a teacher, whereas the shortened version おはよう is informal. You should only use おはよう with friends or subordinates.
How does it change in a sentence?
While the default form places the title at the end, it is more natural in Japanese to place the title 先生 at the beginning of the greeting, as in 先生、おはようございます.
How do you pronounce it?
ohayō gozaimasu, sensei
Did you know?
- Unlike English, where 'Good morning' is usually said until noon, Japanese speakers may use おはようございます much later in the day if it is the first time they have seen the person.
- The word 先生 is used for teachers and doctors alike, as it literally means 'one who was born before'.
- Using 先生 as a standalone name is common, but addressing a teacher as 'Sensei-san' is considered a grammatical error because it's a double honorific.
Examples in context
- おはようございます、先生。お元気ですか？Ohayou gozaimasu, sensei. Ogenki desu ka?Good morning, miss. How are you?
Example conversation
A student arrives at the classroom door.
- 陽太 Yotaおはようございます、先生。ohayou gozaimasu, sensei.Good morning, miss.
- 美咲 Misakiおはよう、陽太君。ohayou, youta-kun.Good morning, Yota.
- 陽太 Yota今日の宿題はどこに出せばいいですか？kyou no shukudai wa doko ni daseba ii desu ka?Where should I turn in today's homework?
- 美咲 Misaki机の上に置いてください。tsukue no ue ni oite kudasai.Please put it on the desk.
