English–Japanese

“upperclassman” in Japanese

Japanese

Pronunciation

Romajisenpai

Example

学校で先輩と話します。gak kō de sen pai to hana shi ma su

I talk with an upperclassman at school.

Illustration for 先輩 (upperclassman)

How to say “upperclassman” in Japanese

“Upperclassman” in Japanese is 先輩 (senpai).

Refers to a person who stands ahead of another in the same organization, school, or activity because of earlier entry or longer experience.

Full entry for 先輩: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with 先輩

部活動について先輩に相談しました。bu katsu dō ni tsu i te sen pai ni sō dan shi ma shi ta

I consulted an upperclassman about the club activities.

Tips for using 先輩

  • In everyday Japanese, 先輩 (senpai) is a common way to address or describe someone from the same group who has been there longer, not just someone with a higher job title.

“upperclassman” in other languages