先生
sensei[sẽ̞ɰ̃se̞ː]
The Japanese term 先生 (sensei) means teacher.
先生 is the most common and widely recognized term used to refer to a teacher or a master.
Meaning: teacher in the context of Japan (noun)
Which one should you use?
In English, people rarely address a teacher simply as 'Teacher', usually preferring 'Mr.' or 'Ms.' followed by a name. In Japanese, it is common and polite to address a teacher directly as 先生.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are addressing someone directly or referring to them with respect, the title is placed after their name, such as Tanaka-sensei.
How do you pronounce it?
sensei
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using 先生 as a suffix for yourself to sound authoritative. It is a title used by others to show respect to you.
Did you know?
- In Japan, sensei is used as a professional title for doctors, lawyers and politicians, even though they are not teaching a class.
- The literal meaning of the characters in 先生 is 'one who was born before', implying that wisdom comes from having more experience in life.
- While 先生 is a title of respect, it can also be used sarcastically to mock someone who acts like a 'know-it-all' or an unwanted lecturer.
Examples in context
- 私の師匠は空手の先生です。My mentor is a karate teacher.
- 田中先生はとても優しいです。Tanaka sensei wa totemo yasashii desu.Mr. Tanaka is very kind.
- あの先生に質問してもいいですか。Ano sensei ni shitsumon shitemo ii desu ka.May I ask that teacher a question?
- 私の先生は数学の専門家です。Watashi no sensei wa suugaku no senmonka desu.My teacher is a mathematics expert.
Example conversation
Two students are talking in the hallway after class.
- 蓮 Ren美咲、先生はもう帰ったかな？Misaki, sensei wa mō kaetta kana?Misaki, I wonder if the teacher has already gone home?
- 美咲 Misakiまだ職員室にいると思うよ。Mada shokuinshitsu ni iru to omou yo.I think they are still in the staff room.
- 蓮 Ren今から先生に会いに行くね。Ima kara sensei ni ai ni iku ne.I'll go see the teacher now.
- 美咲 Misakiうん、頑張ってね、蓮。Un, ganbatte ne, Ren.Yeah, good luck, Ren.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sensei” translations and entries 先生, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 先生, CC BY-SA 4.0.
