Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'professor' depends on context. The most common term is 教授 (kyōju), but it is primarily a title or formal reference. In direct address, 先生 (sensei) is used for teachers, including professors. Understanding when to use each is key.
Referring to someone who holds the academic rank of professor, especially in official contexts.
The standard word for a professor as an academic title. Used in formal settings, on business cards, and when stating someone's position.
Professor Tanaka is an expert in economics.
A general honorific for teachers, doctors, and other professionals. When addressing a professor directly, 先生 is used instead of 教授. It can also be used as a title after the name.
Calling a professor by their title in conversation.
In Japanese, you never address a professor as 'Professor' alone. You use their family name followed by 先生. Using 教授 in direct address is unnatural.
Do not use 教授 to address someone directly. It sounds overly formal and is not idiomatic.
Talking about your professor to someone outside your group.
Referring to a retired or honorary professor.
Referring to professors below full professor rank.
教授 is the official title and is used when stating someone's position. 先生 is an honorific used for addressing or referring to teachers, doctors, and other professionals. When speaking to a professor, always use 先生. Using 教授 to address someone directly is unnatural.
Professor Tanaka is a famous researcher.
I have a meeting with my professor.
He is a university professor.
先生、質問があります。
Professor, I have a question.
Professor Yamada teaches chemistry.
Good morning, Professor Tanaka.
When the context is clear, you can simply say 先生 to get a professor's attention, similar to 'Professor' in English.
Professor, I'd like to ask you something.
When speaking to someone outside your university or lab, you refer to your own professor as 先生 without an honorific prefix. This shows modesty.
My professor is supervising this research.
A formal term for one's academic advisor or supervising professor, often used in official documents.
Approval from your supervising professor is required.
The term for professor emeritus. Used after retirement to denote an honorary title.
He remains at the university as a professor emeritus.
Associate professor. The rank below full professor.
She was promoted to associate professor.
Assistant professor. The entry-level professorial rank.
I was hired as an assistant professor.
Hello, Professor Tanaka.
In English, we say 'Professor Smith' or just 'Professor'. In Japanese, you must use 先生 after the name, or 先生 alone. Saying 教授 directly to someone is incorrect.
She is a professor of literature.