senpai
Senpai (noun) means 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. Example: “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.
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.
Word forms
senpais plural, senpai plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
As a first-year student, she looked up to her _____ for advice.
Etymology
Borrowed from Japanese senpai.
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for senpai
See all rhymes for senpai →Frequently asked questions
What does “senpai” mean?
The word “senpai” means 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. In plain terms, a senior person or mentor figure, a term borrowed from Japanese.
How do you pronounce “senpai”?
“Senpai” is pronounced SEHN-peye (/ˈsɛnpaɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “senpai” in a sentence?
Here is “senpai” used in a sentence: “As a first-year student, she looked up to her senpai for advice.”
What is the opposite of “senpai”?
The opposite of “senpai” — its antonyms — is kohai.
What part of speech is “senpai”?
“Senpai” is a noun.
Where does the word “senpai” come from?
The word “senpai” comes from Japanese. Borrowed from Japanese senpai.
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