Japanese word

先生

Pronunciation

Romajisensei

Meaning

  • nounteacher

Example

先生に聞きます。sen sei ni ki ki ma su

I ask the teacher.

Illustration for 先生 (teacher)

More examples

わたしの先生はやさしいです。wa ta shi no sen sei wa ya sa shi i de su

My teacher is kind.

先生が黒板に漢字を書きます。sen sei ga koku ban ni kan ji o ka ki ma su

The teacher writes kanji on the blackboard.

Core concept

Refers to a person whose knowledge or skill places them in a position to guide and teach others.

Common phrases

  • 先生に聞くsen sei ni ki ku

    ask the teacher

  • 先生の名前sen sei no na mae

    the teacher's name

  • 先生と話すsen sei to hana su

    talk with the teacher

Similar words

教師kyōshi: A person whose job is to teach students, especially in a school.
講師kōshi: A person who teaches a class or gives talks, often as a temporary or part-time instructor.
師匠shishō: A skilled teacher who trains an apprentice in a traditional art or craft.

Definition in Japanese

知識や技能を持ち、人に教え導く立場の人。chi shiki ya gi nō o mo chi hito ni oshi e michibi ku tachi ba no hito

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 先生 (sensei, "teacher") combines 先 (sen, "before") and 生 (sei, "life"), suggesting someone who is ahead in learning.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese, 先生 (sensei) follows a person's name as a respectful title for teachers and is also used for some other professionals, including doctors and lawyers.

Other meanings

  • masternoun

Word lists with this word