教授
kyōju[kʲo̞ːʑɨ]
The Japanese word for professor is 教授 (kyōju).
教授 refers to a teacher or faculty member at a college or university, regardless of their formal rank. In certain academic settings, the term Hakase may also be used as an alternative, as it is an honorific title traditionally associated with individuals holding a doctorate degree.
Meaning: teacher or faculty member at a college or university, regardless of formal rank (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 教授 specifically refers to the academic rank of professor, 先生 (sensei) is a more common way to address or refer to a professor in conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate possession by a professor, add the particle の after 教授 (forming 教授の).
How do you pronounce it?
kyōju
Did you know?
- In Japanese pop culture and anime, the term 教授 is sometimes used to describe a 'mastermind' or a highly intellectual antagonist, even if they are not actually employed by a university.
- The kanji 教 in 教授 means 'to teach' and 授 means 'to confer' or 'to give'. Together, they literally describe the act of conferring knowledge.
- The word 先生 is used for professors, doctors, lawyers and even authors. In Japan, anyone who possesses specialized knowledge that others seek to learn is titled as a 'teacher'.
Examples in context
- 私は教授です。I am a professor.This sentence is useful for stating that you are a professor using 教授.Tatoeba #157592 by tommy_san, translation #256939 by CK
- 私は大学教授です。I'm a professor.Tatoeba #2226309 by tommy_san, translation #5853142 by CK
- 彼女は私の教授だ。She's my professor.This sentence is useful for referring to someone as a professor using 教授.Tatoeba #8435571 by Shigure, translation #490772 by FeuDRenais
- 38 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are talking about their university class.
- 陽葵 Himariあの教授はとても厳しいですね。Ano kyōju wa totemo kibishii desu ne.That professor is very strict, isn't he?
- 蓮 Renはい、でも授業は面白いです。Hai, demo jugyō wa omoshiroi desu.Yes, but the class is interesting.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮さんは教授に質問しましたか？Ren-san wa kyōju ni shitsumon shimashita ka?Ren, did you ask the professor a question?
- 蓮 Renいいえ、まだできていません。Iie, mada dekite imasen.No, I haven't been able to yet.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 教授, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
