こんにちは、先生
Konnichiwa, sensei
The English phrase "hello sensei" is translated into Japanese as こんにちは、先生 (Konnichiwa, sensei).
This phrase is a polite greeting used when addressing a teacher or mentor. The word sensei refers to a teacher or master, but the term is also used to address doctors, lawyers and established artists or masters of a craft. While Konnichiwa means "hello" or "good day", it is specifically used for the daytime and is not used in the early morning or late at night.
What does it mean word for word?
The term sensei literally means "one who has come before".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word sensei is used as a title and does not change its form for singular or plural use. When referring to a teacher's last name using an honorific, you might use -san, such as Suzuki-san.
How do you pronounce it?
Konnichiwa, sensei
Did you know?
- The phrase こんにちは is actually a shortened version of a longer greeting that originally meant 'today is…', usually followed by a comment on the weather.
- In a classroom setting, a student would rarely say こんにちは、先生 to greet a teacher, instead opting for the more formal おはようございます or simply 先生 followed by a bow.
- Manga creators and novelists are referred to as sensei by their editors and fans, regardless of whether they have ever taught a class.
Examples in context
- こんにちは、先生。お元気ですか？Konnichiwa, sensei. O-genki desu ka?Hello, teacher. How are you?
Example conversation
A student greets their teacher in the school hallway.
- 大翔 Hirotoこんにちは、先生。Konnichiwa, sensei.Hello, teacher.
- 結衣 Yuiこんにちは、大翔くん。Konnichiwa, Hiroto-kun.Hello, Hiroto.
- 大翔 Hiroto今日の授業はありますか？Kyō no jugyō wa arimasu ka?Is there a class today?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、ありますよ。Hai, arimasu yo.Yes, there is.
