What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 英語 (English language), の (the possessive particle), 先生 (teacher) and です (to be).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a highly formal context to emphasize expertise or teaching at a higher educational institution, you can use Watashi wa eigo no kyouju desu. (I am an English professor). Informal variations include Watashi wa eigo no sensei yo. to add emphasis, or Boku wa eigo no sensei da. and Ore wa eigo no senseiだぜ. which are used by men. Replacing です (desu) with だよ (da yo) also creates an informal, conversational tone.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the default form 英語の先生です, the subject "I" (watashi) is omitted. This is natural in Japanese when the context makes it clear who is speaking.
How do you pronounce it?
eigo no sensei desu
Did you know?
- While sensei means 'teacher', the word literally translates to 'one who came before'.
- While 先生 (sensei) is the common word for 'teacher', a professional educator referring to their own job title may use the word 教師 (kyoushi). This distinction avoids the humble-bragging tone that occurs when one calls themselves a 先生.
- The word 先生 (sensei) is a versatile honorific used to address not only educators, but also doctors, lawyers, and even authors or manga artists.
Examples in context
- 英語の先生です。I am an English teacher.This sentence is useful for stating that you are an English teacher.Tatoeba #947657 by riccioberto, translation #2811861 by robbieheslop
- 母は英語の先生です。Haha wa eigo no sensei desu.My mother is an English teacher.
Example conversation
Youta and Yui are meeting for the first time at a social gathering.
- 陽太 Yotaはじめまして、陽太です。Hajimemashite, Youta desu.Nice to meet you, I am Youta.
- 結衣 Yui結衣です。お仕事は何ですか？Yui desu. Oshigoto wa nan desu ka?I am Yui. What is your job?
- 陽太 Yota私は英語の先生です。Watashi wa eigo no sensei desu.I am an English teacher.
- 結衣 Yuiすごいですね！Sugoi desu ne!That is amazing!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
