noun
senpai
SEHN-peye
noun
1
In Japanese culture, a more senior or experienced person in a school, workplace, or art form, who acts as a kind of mentor to those below them.
"As a first-year student, she looked up to her senpai for advice."
How to Use Senpai
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA senior person or mentor figure, a term borrowed from Japanese.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with sensei — a sensei is specifically a teacher or instructor, while a senpai is just someone more experienced or senior than you.
Easily confused with
Word Forms
senpais plural, senpai plural
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As a first-year student, she looked up to her _____ for advice.
Etymology
Borrowed from Japanese senpai.