noun
sensei
SEHN-say
Sensei (noun) means a martial arts instructor, especially in a Japanese discipline. Example: “The students bowed respectfully to their sensei.”
noun
1
A martial arts instructor, especially in a Japanese discipline.
"The students bowed respectfully to their sensei."
2
More broadly, a teacher or mentor in a Japanese context.
"He studied calligraphy under a well-known sensei."
How to use sensei
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA teacher or instructor, most often used for martial arts.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- senseis
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The students bowed respectfully to their _____.
Etymology
Borrowed from Japanese sensei, "teacher," literally "born before" — someone who came earlier and thus knows more.
Rhymes for sensei
See all rhymes for sensei →Frequently asked questions
What does “sensei” mean?
The word “sensei” means a martial arts instructor, especially in a Japanese discipline. In plain terms, a teacher or instructor, most often used for martial arts.
How do you pronounce “sensei”?
“Sensei” is pronounced SEHN-say (/ˈsɛnseɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sensei” in a sentence?
Here is “sensei” used in a sentence: “The students bowed respectfully to their sensei.”
What part of speech is “sensei”?
“Sensei” is a noun.
Where does the word “sensei” come from?
The word “sensei” comes from Japanese. Borrowed from Japanese sensei, "teacher," literally "born before" — someone who came earlier and thus knows more.
How many meanings does “sensei” have?
“Sensei” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a martial arts instructor, especially in a Japanese discipline.
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