先生
senseinoun★Beginner
formal
Teacher, instructor, or someone with expertise in a field
先生は生徒に宿題を出しました
The teacher gave homework to the students
彼は医者の先生です
He is a doctor
💡
Can refer to teachers, doctors, lawyers, or any respected professional
Collocations
先生に聞くto ask the teacher先生の話を聞くto listen to the teacher
Synonyms
Antonyms
💡Pro Tip
Honorific Usage
Always use '先生' when addressing teachers, doctors, and lawyers directly, even if you're older than them.
⚡Gold Rule
Respectful Address
Never use '先生' for yourself - it's considered arrogant. Use '私' (watashi) or '僕' (boku) instead.
📖Word Origin
From 先 (saki, 'before') + 生 (sei, 'life') - originally meaning 'one who is born before'
📝Usage Notes
Polite term of address for teachers, doctors, and other professionals. Can also be used for respected elders.
Word Breakdown
先
before, ahead
root生
life, birth
root✎ Noted on May 2, 2026JA → EN