Sensei

Sensei [ ˌ sen se ː ] (Japanese先生, literally " born before " ) means " teacher ", " master ", " author " or "Doctor ".

Generally

In Japan, this word is used as an honorific form of address for academics, especially for high school and university teachers, doctors and lawyers. It is appended to the surname: For Katō -sensei, for example, " Dr. Katō " or " Prof. Katō " mean. Usually, a Sensei in respectful language " Sonkeigo " is addressed in accordance with the Japanese polite language, while a student verbally submissive shows itself and used the modest language " Kenjōgo " in relation to themselves.

The Salutation Sensei for teachers is not without controversy in Japan. That they - because of inflationary use - can also be mocking meant shows the anonymous Senryu "先生 と 呼ば れる ほど の 馬鹿 で なし" ( Sensei to yobareru hodo no baka de nashi "I 'm not a fool, the man merely speaks with Sensei ."). Nevertheless, in almost all schools and universities in Japan, teachers are addressed as sensei.

Martial Arts

In the field of Japanese martial arts ( Budo and Bujutsu ) are black belts who have a teaching position, addressed as sensei. In a narrower sense, the term " teacher of the Way" (Japanese Dō ). Since it is a courtesy title, the person concerned does not refer to himself as " Sensei ". In the years of teaching in the dojo is formed between teacher and student have a special relationship (Japanese Ishin Denshin, literally heart-to- heart). That is, although often several black belts teach students the individual student builds a relationship with his teacher and this sees as his sensei.

In modern dōjō one speaks often of the " coach " or " trainer " because often limit the instructions on the technical and physical training. For this activity, which is often practiced already by student grades (Japanese Mudansha ), the Japanese term Sempai (the " Experienced " " the Elder " ) is often used.