senpai
/sempai/from spelling rules
senpai is the Spanish way to say "upperclassman or elder student" in the context of Japan.
The term is used specifically when referring to an upperclassman or an older student within a Japanese context. In other informal situations where you might want to refer to someone who has been practicing or participating in a specific area for a long time, you might use the word veterano.
Meaning: upperclassman or elder student, in the context of Japan (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/sempai/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word senpai is almost exclusively used by fans of anime and manga, a community known as otakus. Outside of this subculture, a Spanish speaker would likely be confused by the term.
- Spanish speakers often use the word maestro when they want to show a similar level of respect to a mentor, even if the person is not a formal teacher.
- While 'senpai' is a noun, in Spanish-speaking anime fandoms, it is sometimes used as a nickname or a playful way to address anyone who is slightly more skilled at a video game.
Examples in context
- Senpai, ¿me invitaría un helado de máquina?Senpai, would you buy me some soft ice cream?This sentence shows how to address a senpai when asking for a favor.Tatoeba #1454118 by marcelostockle, translation #1331198 by Scott
Example conversation
Two students are talking about a Japanese exchange program.
- AlejandroLucía, ¿conoces a nuestro senpai?Lucía, do you know our senpai?
- LucíaSí, Alejandro, él es muy inteligente.Yes, Alejandro, he is very intelligent.
- AlejandroQuiero pedirle consejos para el examen.I want to ask him for tips for the exam.
- LucíaSeguro que el senpai te ayudará.I'm sure the senpai will help you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
