Japanese word

先輩

Pronunciation

Romajisenpai

Meaning

  • nounupperclassman

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)

More examples

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.

Core concept

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

Common phrases

  • 先輩と話すsen pai to hana su

    talk to an upperclassman

  • 先輩に聞くsen pai ni ki ku

    ask an upperclassman

Similar words

上級生jōkyūsei: A student who belongs to a higher grade at the same school.

Definition in Japanese

同じ学校や職場などで、自分より在籍期間が長く、先にその集団に加わった人。ona ji gak kō ya shoku ba na do de ji bun yo ri zai seki ki kan ga naga ku saki ni so no shū dan ni kuwa wa tta hito

Word origin

先 (sen, "ahead") and 輩 (hai, "companion or group member") combine in the Japanese word 先輩 (senpai), with the second sound changing from hai to pai.

Usage tips

  • 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.

Other meanings

  • seniornoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word