先生、おはようございます
sensei, ohayō gozaimasu
To say "good morning to teacher" in Japanese, use 先生、おはようございます (sensei, ohayō gozaimasu).
This phrase is a polite greeting used to say hello to a teacher in the morning. In Japanese, it is more natural to address the teacher by their title, 先生 (sensei), before providing the greeting, rather than treating the entire phrase as a single unit.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 先生, which literally means "teacher" or "master" and is used as a title and おはようございます, which is the polite way to say "good morning."
Which one should you use?
While おはよう is a way to say "good morning," it is informal. Using only おはよう without ございます is too casual for a student to use with a teacher.
How do you pronounce it?
sensei, ohayō gozaimasu
Did you know?
- Though it means 'good morning', おはようございます is sometimes used by workers in the entertainment or service industries the first time they see a colleague, even if it is midnight.
- The word 先生 literally translates to 'one who was born before'. This reflects a cultural value where age and experience are seen as sources of wisdom and authority.
- While 先生 is used for teachers, it is also the standard title for doctors, lawyers and members of parliament. In Japan, anyone who has mastered a specialized craft or professional skill can be addressed this way.
Examples in context
- 陽葵さんが「先生、おはようございます」と言いました。Himari-san ga "Sensei, ohayou gozaimasu" to iimashita.Himari said, "Good morning, teacher."
- 教室に入って、先生、おはようございますと言いました。Kyoushitsu ni haitte, sensei, ohayou gozaimasu to iimashita.I entered the classroom and said, "Good morning, teacher."
Example conversation
Two students meet their teacher in the hallway.
- 陽葵 Himari先生、おはようございます。Sensei, ohayou gozaimasu.Good morning, teacher.
- 健太 Kentaおはよう。二人とも早いのね。Ohayou. Futari tomo hayai no ne.Good morning. You two are early.
- 陽葵 Himari今日はテストがあるからです。Kyou wa tesuto ga aru kara desu.It's because we have a test today.
- 健太 Kenta準備はできているかな？Junbi wa dekite iru kana?I wonder if you're prepared?
