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

A martial arts instructor, especially in a Japanese discipline.

"The students bowed respectfully to their sensei."

More broadly, a teacher or mentor in a Japanese context.

"He studied calligraphy under a well-known sensei."

How to use sensei

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA teacher or instructor, most often used for martial arts.

Easily confused with

senpai →

Word forms

sensei plural, senseis plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The students bowed respectfully to their _____.

Etymology

Borrowed from Japanese sensei, "teacher," literally "born before" — someone who came earlier and thus knows more.

Origin: Japanese

Rhymes for sensei

sei lei rei kei Mei Wei Pei Fei Kohei Brunei Taipei Andrei

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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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Vocabulary lists that include sensei:

Words with Japanese origins