Japanese, explained
What does 「先輩」(senpai) mean?
先輩senpai
A “senior” — someone ahead of you at school, work, or a club. The opposite is 後輩 (kōhai), a junior. It’s also a respectful way to address that person, and famous online from “notice me, senpai.”
How it’s used
Seniority matters in Japan, and 先輩 marks it. You can attach it like a title — 田中先輩 (Tanaka-senpai) — or call out 先輩！ on its own. Don’t confuse it with 先生 (sensei, a teacher) or 上司 (jōshi, your boss at work); 先輩 is about who came before you, not rank alone.
Examples
- 彼は一年上の先輩です。
- Kare wa ichi-nen ue no senpai desu. — He’s my senpai, a year above me.
- 先輩、質問があります。
- Senpai, shitsumon ga arimasu. — Senpai, I have a question.
How people really say it
- 先輩！
- senpai! — Calling out to a senior to get their attention.
- 先輩に気づいてほしい。
- Senpai ni kizuite hoshii. — “I want senpai to notice me” — the origin of the meme.
Synonyms & related
- 後輩 — kōhai, the junior (opposite)
- 先生 — sensei, a teacher (different)
- 上司 — boss / superior at work
Hear 先輩 and 後輩 in real Japanese
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