What is the difference between "先生" and "せんせい"?

"先生" means "teacher, master, doctor" (N5), whereas "せんせい" represents "teacher; master; doctor" (N5).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "せんせい (sensei)"

Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.

Kanji Option A

せんせい (sensei)

N5 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

せんせい (sensei)

N5 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "せんせい (sensei)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

先生 (Level: N5): Translates to "teacher, master, doctor" and is used when A title used after a person's name or as a standalone term of respect for teachers, doctors, lawyers, etc..
せんせい (Level: N5): Maps to "teacher; master; doctor" and carries the nuance of Used to address or refer to teachers, doctors, lawyers, or any professional worthy of respect. Also a general term for 'master' or 'expert'..

Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!

Bilingual Context for "先生"

山田先生はとても親切です。

Mr./Ms. Yamada is very kind.

Bilingual Context for "せんせい"

山田先生はとても親切です。

Professor Yamada is very kind.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "山田＿＿＿はとても親切です。" (Meaning: "Mr./Ms. Yamada is very kind.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "先生" is used for "teacher, master, doctor" in the context: "Mr./Ms. Yamada is very kind.".