senpai
せんぱい
What does "senpai" mean?
The term "senpai" refers to a mentor, senior, or more experienced person in a hierarchical relationship, such as at school or within a workplace. The mental image is of someone who has walked the path before you, offering guidance and a sense of protective authority. It is used as both a title (appended to a name) and a standalone noun. While it implies a power dynamic, it is often used with warmth or respect. In Western pop culture, it has also evolved into a slang term describing someone whose attention or approval a younger person desperately seeks.
"senpai" in conversation
Workplace help
Senpai, do you have a moment to check my report?
Senpai, do you have a moment to check my report?
Sure, let's take a look together.
Sure, let's take a look together.
Used as a direct address to a senior colleague.
School hallway
Hey, are you going to the club meeting, Tanaka-senpai?
Hey, are you going to the club meeting, Tanaka-senpai?
Yeah, I'll be there in five minutes.
Yeah, I'll be there in five minutes.
Used with a name to show respect to an upperclassman.
"senpai" in a sentence
My senpai taught me everything I know about coding.
My senpai taught me everything I know about coding.
It is important to show gratitude toward your senpai for their guidance.
It is important to show gratitude toward your senpai for their guidance.
Despite our age gap, she is my senpai at the firm and treats me like an equal.
Despite our age gap, she is my senpai at the firm and treats me like an equal.
