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先生
sensei
teacher
山田先生は数学を教えています。
Professor Yamada teaches mathematics.
formal
A person who teaches a skill or subject; an instructor
彼女は小学校の先生です。
She is an elementary school teacher.
医学の先生に相談しましょう。
Let's consult a medical doctor.
Used for teachers, doctors, and other professionals in a respectful context.
formal
A polite suffix added to a person's name to show respect, often used for professionals like doctors or lawyers
鈴木先生、お元気ですか。
Dr. Suzuki, how are you?
Commonly used in formal or respectful settings, not typically for family members.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Polite Address
Use 先生 when addressing or referring to teachers, doctors, or other professionals in a respectful context. It is not typically used for family members.
Gold Rule
Respectful Context
先生 is always used in a respectful or formal context. Avoid using it for peers or younger individuals unless it is part of a professional title.
Word Origin
From 先 (sen, 'before' or 'earlier') + 生 (sei, 'life' or 'person'), originally meaning 'one who came before' or 'elder'. Over time, it evolved to mean 'teacher' or 'master'.
Usage Notes
Used broadly for teachers, doctors, and other professionals in a respectful context. Adding 先生 to a name (e.g., 山田先生) is a polite way to address or refer to someone.
Word Breakdown
先
before; earlier; ahead
root生
life; person; birth
root和英辞典