Japanese word

恩師

Pronunciation

Romajionshi

Meaning

  • nounformer teacher

Example

高校の恩師に会いました。kō kō no on shi ni a i ma shi ta

I met my former high school teacher.

Illustration for 恩師 (former teacher)

More examples

卒業後も、恩師から学んだことを大切にしています。sotsu gyō go mo on shi ka ra mana n da ko to o tai setsu ni shi te i ma su

Even after graduation, I still value what I learned from my former teacher.

Core concept

The word presents a past teacher as a mentor whose teaching leaves a lasting mark on the learner.

Common phrases

  • 恩師に会うon shi ni a u

    meet a former teacher

  • 恩師を訪ねるon shi o tazu ne ru

    visit a former teacher

Similar words

先生sensei: A polite term for referring to or addressing a teacher.
教師kyōshi: A professional teacher responsible for giving instruction in an educational institution.
師shi: A teacher or mentor whose knowledge and example guide a learner.

Definition in Japanese

かつて教えを受け、恩や敬意を感じている教師。ka tsu te oshi e o u ke on ya kei i o kan ji te i ru kyō shi

Word origin

Combines 恩 (on, "favor") and 師 (shi, "teacher"), forming a word for a teacher to whom one feels lasting gratitude.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese, 恩師 (onshi) is a personal term of respect and is less neutral than the English phrase former teacher.

Other meanings

  • mentornoun

Word lists with this word