先生
せんせい
hepburn sensei
teacher, sensei
Part of speech · noun
Pattern visualization
Examples
- 田中先生は日本語の先生です。Mr./Ms. Tanaka is a Japanese teacher.
- 先生、質問があります。Teacher, I have a question.
Collocations
日本語の先生田中先生学校の先生先生に聞くお医者さん (doctor as 先生)
Mnemonic
先生 sensei — literally "born before/earlier". The honorific applies broadly: teachers, doctors, lawyers, politicians, manga artists, masters of any craft. 教師 (kyoushi) is the job title; sensei is the form of address/respect.
Quick check
Which profession does NOT typically receive the 先生 honorific?