1.
senior, upperclassman, senior colleague
Someone who has more experience in a group, school, or workplace.
先輩に相談しました。
I consulted with my senior.
彼は大学の先輩です。
He's my senior from university.
先輩が教えてくれた。
My senior taught me.
先輩はとても親切で、いつも助けてくれる。
My senior is very kind and always helps me.
会社の先輩に仕事のやり方を教えてもらって、とても勉強になった。
My senior colleague taught me how to do the work, and I learned a lot.
先輩 refers to someone senior to you in age, experience, or position within a group, school, or workplace.
CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE:
The 先輩・後輩 relationship is fundamental to Japanese social structure, especially in schools, clubs, and companies.
USAGE:
- As a noun: 先輩に聞く (ask a senior)
- As an address: 〇〇先輩 (Senior ~, used as a title)
- With possessive: 大学の先輩 (university senior)
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 先輩に相談する: to consult with a senior
- 先輩から教わる: to learn from a senior
RELATED:
- 後輩: junior (opposite)
- 同期: same year/cohort