先生たち
sensei-tachi
The English phrase "teachers" is translated into Japanese as 先生たち (sensei-tachi).
In Japanese, 先生 is the most common and widely used word for "teacher". While 先生たち specifically refers to multiple people, you may also encounter other terms depending on the specific role: 教師 refers to school teachers, 教員 refers to school faculty members including instructors and 教授 is used specifically for university professors.
Which one should you use?
The form 先生たち explicitly expresses the plural "teachers". However, in many Japanese contexts, the plural marker たち is often omitted and the singular form 先生 is used to refer to a group of teachers depending on the context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 先生 can be used as a singular noun to mean "teacher".
How do you pronounce it?
sensei-tachi
Did you know?
- While 先生 means 'teacher', it literally translates to 'one who was born before', reflecting a cultural emphasis on age and experience.
- In Japanese, you can use 先生 as a title for people who are not actually teachers, such as doctors, lawyers, or even authors. It is a mark of respect for anyone who has mastered a profession.
- When addressing a teacher directly, Japanese students almost never use the word 'you'. Instead, they use the person's name followed by 先生, such as 'Tanaka-sensei'.
Examples in context
- 先生たちはとても親切です。Sensei-tachi wa totemo shinsetsu desu.The teachers are very kind.
- 先生たちが会議室にいます。Sensei-tachi ga kaigishitsu ni imasu.The teachers are in the meeting room.
- 先生たちの話を聞きましょう。Sensei-tachi no hanashi o kikimashou.Let's listen to the teachers' talk.
Example conversation
Two students are talking about a school event.
- 大翔 Hiroto先生たちはこのイベントに賛成してるかな？Sensei-tachi wa kono ibento ni sansei shiteru kana?I wonder if the teachers agree with this event?
- 美咲 Misakiきっと賛成してくれると思うよ。Kitto sansei shite kureru to omou yo.I think they will definitely agree.
- 大翔 Hirotoじゃあ、明日先生たちに聞いてみよう。Jaa, ashita sensei-tachi ni kiite miyō.Then, let's ask the teachers tomorrow.
- 美咲 Misakiそうだね。そうしよう。Sō da ne. Sō shiyō.You're right. Let's do that.
