日本語の先生
nihongo no sensei
The English phrase "japanese teacher" translates to Japanese as 日本語の先生 (nihongo no sensei).
日本語の先生 refers specifically to a person who teaches the Japanese language.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 日本語 (Japanese language), the particle の (possessive particle) and 先生 (teacher).
Which one should you use?
Note the distinction between a subject and nationality: 日本語の先生 means a teacher of the Japanese language, whereas 日本人の先生 means a teacher who is a Japanese person, regardless of the subject they teach.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
日本語の先生 is a polite and respectful way to refer to a teacher.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle の is used here to link the subject being taught, which is the Japanese language, to the profession of the teacher.
How do you pronounce it?
nihongo no sensei
Did you know?
- If you want to refer to yourself as a Japanese language teacher, you should avoid using 先生 (sensei) for your own title. Using it to describe yourself can sound overly boastful or even arrogant in Japanese social contexts.
- The word 先生 (sensei) is used as a standalone title for doctors, lawyers, and politicians, not just educators. It literally translates to 'one who has gone before' or 'born before'.
- The term 先生 can be used sarcastically to address someone who thinks they know everything. In this context, it functions more like calling someone a 'professor' in a mocking tone.
Examples in context
- あの人は日本語の先生だと思います。That person over there is a Japanese teacher, I think.This sentence is useful for expressing an opinion about someone being a 日本語の先生.Tatoeba #10899511 by small_snow, translation #10899715 by CK
- 日本語の先生に習っています。Nihongo no sensei ni naratte imasu.I am learning from a Japanese teacher.
- 彼女は日本語の先生です。Kanojo wa Nihongo no sensei desu.She is a Japanese teacher.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are talking about their language studies at a cafe.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵さんは、日本語の先生をしていますか？Himari-san wa, Nihongo no sensei o shite imasu ka?Himari, are you a Japanese teacher?
- 陽葵 Himariいいえ、学生です。Iie, gakusei desu.No, I am a student.
- 健太 Kentaそうですか。僕は日本語の先生になりたいです。Sou desu ka. Boku wa Nihongo no sensei ni naritai desu.I see. I want to become a Japanese teacher.
- 陽葵 Himari健太さんは、きっといい先生になりますよ。Kenta-san wa, kitto ii sensei ni narimasu yo.Kenta, you will surely be a good teacher.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
