先生

• 読み: せんせい
• ローマ字: sensei
• 漢字の分解: 先 (sen/saki) — before, ahead; 生 (sei/ikiru) — life, born
• 発音: /seɴ.seː/

意味

Teacher; instructor; master. A respectful title for educators and professionals.

Used not only for school teachers but also for doctors, lawyers, politicians, and other respected professionals. It doubles as both a noun and a title of address — you can call someone 田中先生 (Tanaka-sensei) directly. Never used to refer to yourself.

例文

1. 先生、質問があります。
2. 山田先生は数学を教えています。
3. 先生のおかげで日本語が上手になりました。

使い方ガイド

場面: school, workplace, addressing professionals

トーン: respectful

起源と歴史

Composed of 先 (sen, 'before/ahead') and 生 (sei, 'born/life'). Literally means 'born before' or 'one who comes before,' implying someone with more experience and knowledge.

文化的背景

時代: Ancient

世代: All ages

社会的背景: Universal