Translation guide
The English word 'teacher' can refer to various roles in Japanese, from school instructors to private tutors and mentors. The most common and neutral term is 先生 (sensei), but the appropriate word depends on context, relationship, and formality.
Referring to a teacher in a primary or secondary school setting.
Referring to a teacher at a college or university.
Specifically a professor. Use this for tenured or tenure-track faculty.
Referring to someone who teaches privately, such as a tutor for school subjects, music, or sports.
Referring to a teacher in a traditional Japanese discipline, where the relationship implies a deeper master-student bond.
Used for a master in arts like calligraphy, tea ceremony, martial arts, etc. Implies a long-term, dedicated relationship.
How to call a teacher when speaking to them or about them.
Attach 先生 to the family name when addressing or referring to a teacher. For example, 田中先生 (Tanaka-sensei). Never use 先生 alone as a name.
Good morning, Mr./Ms. Tanaka.
In Japanese, you never refer to yourself as 先生. It is a title of respect used for others. If you are a teacher, you would say 教師です (I am a teacher) or 教えています (I teach).
先生 is a title of respect and can be used for doctors, politicians, and other professionals, while 教師 is strictly an occupational term for 'teacher'. Use 先生 when addressing or referring to a teacher politely; use 教師 in formal descriptions or job titles.
Attach 先生 to the family name of the teacher (e.g., 鈴木先生). This is the standard way to address teachers from elementary school through university, and also for private tutors and instructors in various fields.
My teacher is strict.
Teacher, I have a question.
He is a high school teacher.
Professor Yamada teaches economics.
Also used for university instructors, especially by students. Less formal than 教授 but still respectful.
Professor, I submitted my report.
A lecturer or part-time instructor, often not a full professor.
She works as a part-time lecturer.
Commonly used for private tutors as well, especially by the student.
I take lessons from a piano teacher every week.
Specifically a private tutor who comes to the home, often for academic subjects.
I'm looking for a math tutor.
He is a calligraphy master.
Also acceptable in many traditional arts, but 師匠 emphasizes the master-apprentice dynamic.
I'm being taught by a kendo teacher.
When directly addressing a teacher without using their name, simply say 先生. This is common in classroom settings.
Teacher, I have something I'd like to ask.
She wants to become a teacher.
Using 教師 emphasizes the profession.
I have a piano teacher.