Sensei

: 先生 【せんせい】
(n) teacher; master; doctor

Sensei is essentially the Japanese equivalent for the word "teacher" but in addition to referring to school teachers, it can also be used to refer to martial arts instructors and professionals that have achieved such a mastery of their profession that others can learn from them.

When used as a sign of respect for an accomplished master of a profession, the term is generally used as an honorific following their name. Hayao Miyazaki (Miyazaki-sensei) and Chiho Saito (Saito-sensei)are examples of an Anime director and a Manga artist who are often referred to in this manner. Interestingly enough, Miyazaki does not aprove of its use in reference to himself.

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