senpai
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English
Alternative forms
Etymology
Borrowed from Japanese 先輩 (senpai). Doublet of sunbae.
Pronunciation
Noun
senpai (plural senpais or senpai)
- The senior member of a group in Japanese arts; a mentor.
- 1974, Thomas P. Rohlen, For Harmony and Strength: Japanese White-Collar Organization in Anthropological Perspective, University of California Press, →ISBN, page 131:
- Senpai are also known to intercede on behalf of their kohai to explain their mistakes.
- 2022, Marc Helmold, Ayşe Küçük Yılmaz, Triant Flouris, Thomas Winner, Violeta Cvetkoska, Tracy Dathe, Lean Management, Kaizen, Kata and Keiretsu: Best-Practice Examples and Industry Insights from Japanese Concepts, Springer, →ISBN, page 57:
- They usually act as a mentor for kōhai, although in reality not all senpai are as generous or genuine about mentoring junior colleagues.
- 2022, Alex W. Tong, The Science and Philosophy of Martial Arts: Exploring the Connections Between the Cognitive, Physical, and Spiritual Aspects of Martial Arts, Blue Snake Books, →ISBN, page 203:
- Many senpai attend the same dōjō for decades.
- (anime and manga, fandom slang) An upperclassman or elder student, in the context of Japan.
Usage notes
- Usage sometimes carries humorous or affectionate connotations, or associations with Japan.
Antonyms
Translations
upperclassman or elder student, in the context of Japan
Anagrams
Japanese
Romanization
senpai