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.
The standard, respectful term for a teacher at any level. Used both as a title and a standalone noun.
田中先生は数学の先生です。
Mr./Ms. Tanaka is a math teacher.
先生、質問があります。
Teacher, I have a question.
A more formal, occupational term for 'teacher'. Often used in official contexts or job titles.
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.
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.
田中先生、おはようございます。
Good morning, Mr./Ms. Tanaka.
When directly addressing a teacher without using their name, simply say 先生. This is common in classroom settings.
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.
私の先生は厳しいです。
My teacher is strict.
ピアノの先生がいます。
I have a piano teacher.
He is a high school teacher.
山田教授は経済学を教えています。
Professor Yamada teaches economics.
Also used for university instructors, especially by students. Less formal than 教授 but still respectful.
先生、レポートを提出しました。
Professor, I submitted my report.
A lecturer or part-time instructor, often not a full professor.
彼女は非常勤講師として働いています。
She works as a part-time lecturer.
Commonly used for private tutors as well, especially by the student.
ピアノの先生に毎週習っています。
I take lessons from a piano teacher every week.
Specifically a private tutor who comes to the home, often for academic subjects.
数学の家庭教師を探しています。
I'm looking for a math tutor.
Used for a master in arts like calligraphy, tea ceremony, martial arts, etc. Implies a long-term, dedicated relationship.
彼は書道の師匠です。
He is a calligraphy master.
Also acceptable in many traditional arts, but 師匠 emphasizes the master-apprentice dynamic.
剣道の先生に教えてもらっています。
I'm being taught by a kendo teacher.
Teacher, I have something I'd like to ask.