What does it mean word for word?
watashi literally means "I", and desu functions as the copula meaning "is/am/are".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal situations, you can use 私は先生です or Watashi wa kyooshi desu to say "I am a teacher". For informal situations, you can say Watashi wa kyooshi da, Watashi wa sensei da or Boku wa kyooshi. The choice of the word for "I" also changes the tone: boku is a casual way to say "I", and using it instead of watashi makes the sentence sound more masculine and slightly less formal. Females often use atashi or watashi for "I", while males tend to use boku or ore.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "I was a teacher", you change the polite copula desu to its past tense form deshita.
How do you pronounce it?
watashi wa sensei desu
When do people say it?
The word sensei is used not only for teachers but also as a respectful title for doctors, lawyers and authors.
Did you know?
- The word sensei literally means 'one who came before'. It refers to someone with more experience or seniority, not just a professional educator.
- If you are actually a teacher, you should avoid calling yourself sensei when introducing your profession. Using kyooshi is the standard way to state your job, whereas sensei is a title used by others to address you.
- The word sensei is used as a title for manga artists. Fans and editors call these creators sensei as a mark of respect for their craft.
Examples in context
- 私は先生です。I am a teacher.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase 私は先生です.Tatoeba #155469 by small_snow, translation #259069 by CK
- わたしは英語の先生です。I am an English teacher.
- はい、私は先生です。hai, watashi wa sensei desu.Yes, I am a teacher.
Example conversation
Two people meeting for the first time at a party.
- 結衣 Yuiお仕事は何ですか？O-shigoto wa nan desu ka?What is your job?
- 大翔 Hiroto私は先生です。Watashi wa sensei desu.I am a teacher.
- 結衣 Yuiすごいですね！Sugoi desu ne!That's amazing!
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you very much.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
