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sensei

sensei

57 7.3
A respected teacher, often in Japanese martial arts, who trains students
  • noun
  • /ˈsɛnseɪ/
translation icon : sensei
  • In the dojo, the sensei guided each student through their techniques carefully.

So one of the first dances that my Kabuki sensei taught me is Sakura.

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Examples

Synonyms

master
vssensei
791 4.2

A person who is very skilled in an activity or art

is used as a respected teacher title especially in Japanese cultural roles
roshi
vssensei
9.9

A respected Zen teacher who guides students in meditation

is a title for respected teachers mainly outside religious contexts

Antonyms

1.0

A person who studies at a school or university

46 3.4

A person new to an activity who has little experience

How Respected

grandmaster
  • Specialized
14 6.7
sensei
57 7.3
master
791 4.2
instructor
221 2.9
teacher
1.0

Surface Forms

sensei singular
senseis plural

Etymology

The word sensei comes from Japanese parts sen 'before' and sei 'born'. So a sensei is someone who 'came before' you in learning and is a respected teacher or master who guides others.