先生、こんにちは
sensei, konnichiwa
In Japanese, "hi teacher" is said as 先生、こんにちは (sensei, konnichiwa).
This phrase is a polite greeting used by a student to address their teacher. When speaking to a teacher, you address them by their title, 先生 (sensei), rather than by using their name alone or by using the word for "you".
How does it change in a sentence?
In Japanese, the title 先生 is used as a vocative (a way to address someone) before the greeting, whereas in English one might say "Hello, teacher".
How do you pronounce it?
sensei, konnichiwa
What mistakes should you avoid?
This can sound rude or overly direct in Japanese. Instead, use the teacher's title.
Did you know?
- The word 先生 literally translates to 'one who is born before', reflecting a respect for age and experience.
- While 先生 means 'teacher', it is also the standard way to address doctors, lawyers and politicians in Japan.
- Even if you are a grown adult, you would still address your former school teacher as 先生 rather than using their name or a polite 'you'.
Examples in context
- 先生、こんにちは！元気ですか？Sensei, konnichiwa! Genki desu ka?Hi teacher! How are you?
- あ、先生、こんにちは。A, sensei, konnichiwa.Oh, hi teacher.
Example conversation
Kenta meets his teacher in the school hallway.
- 健太 Kenta先生、こんにちは。Sensei, konnichiwa.Hello, teacher.
- 美咲 Misakiこんにちは、健太くん。Konnichiwa, Kenta-kun.Hello, Kenta.
- 健太 Kenta今日の授業はありますか？Kyou no jugyou wa arimasu ka?Is there a class today?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、ありますよ。Hai, arimasu yo.Yes, there is.
