meaning of meaning of senpai

A Japanese term referring to an upperclassman, senior, or mentor figure; typically, someone who is older, more experienced, or in a higher social position within a hierarchical context, such as a school, club, or workplace.

The young student looked up to their senpai for guidance in the kendo club.

She desperately wanted her senpai to notice her, even just once.

My senpai taught me everything I know about programming.

Synonyms: senior, mentor, superior, elder

Antonyms: junior, underclassman, subordinate

Etymology: From Japanese senpai (先輩), meaning 'senior' or 'predecessor'. The term combines 'sen' (先, before) and 'pai' (輩, companion, fellow).

Cultural Notes: The concept of 'senpai' is deeply embedded in Japanese social structures, emphasizing hierarchical relationships, respect for experience, and mentorship. The 'senpai-kohai' relationship (where 'kohai' is the junior or subordinate) is fundamental in schools, sports clubs, and workplaces. In Western contexts, particularly through the global spread of anime and manga, 'senpai' has been adopted to signify admiration, respect, or even romantic interest, often in a playful or unrequited sense.

Word Frequency: common

Category: culture

Language: English

Pronunciation: ˈsɛnpaɪ