後輩(こうはい)

こうはい
noun
junior, younger colleague
1. junior, underclassman, younger colleague
Someone who entered an organization, school, or profession after you.
後輩(こうはい)の面倒(めんどう)を見(み)る。
I look after my juniors.
後輩(こうはい)から相談(そうだん)を受(う)けた。
I received a consultation from a junior.
大学(だいがく)の後輩(こうはい)に会(あ)った。
I met someone who was my junior in university.
後輩(こうはい)に仕事(しごと)のやり方(かた)を教(おし)えるのも先輩(せんぱい)の役割(やくわり)だ。
Teaching juniors how to do the job is also a senior's role.
高校(こうこう)時代(じだい)の後輩(こうはい)が同(おな)じ会社(かいしゃ)に入(はい)ってきて、とても驚(おどろ)いた。
A junior from my high school days joined the same company, and I was very surprised.

Part of the 先輩(せんぱい)/後輩(こうはい) (senior/junior) relationship system important in Japanese culture.

USAGE:

  • Used as a noun to refer to juniors
  • Often used with possessive: 私(わたし)の後輩(こうはい) (my junior)
  • Less commonly used as a direct address (unlike 先輩(せんぱい))

CULTURAL NOTE:
The 先輩(せんぱい)/後輩(こうはい) system establishes social hierarchy in schools and workplaces. 後輩(こうはい) are expected to show respect to their 先輩(せんぱい).

Related Words

Antonym: 先輩(せんぱい) (senior)
core
Added 2026.1.11 21:11 · Revised 2026.3.24 14:08
02500/02501_kouhai