senpai

Senpai is a Japanese term used to describe a senior or more experienced member within a group, such as a school club, workplace, or team. It is written with the kanji 先輩, composed of 先 meaning "ahead" or "before" and 輩 meaning "generation" or "cohort," signaling someone who comes before others in a shared context. The term functions as a title of respect and is commonly used in everyday speech to acknowledge a person’s longer tenure rather than their chronological age.

In practice, senpai-kouhai relationships involve mentorship and guidance. A senpai is expected to offer advice, training, and support, while kouhai show deference, follow established norms, and express gratitude. Because seniority is defined by group membership and tenure rather than age, a younger person can be a senpai within a given club or organization if they joined earlier or gained experience sooner.

In schools and companies, these dynamics help integrate newcomers, transfer knowledge, and preserve organizational culture. However, power imbalances can arise, and modern contexts often emphasize respectful, professional interactions and consent in mentoring relationships.

In popular culture, especially in anime and manga, senpai is widely used and may refer to an admired upperclassman or mentor, as well as to a fictional character who serves as a role model. Outside Japan, the term is recognized and used in fan communities to describe similar senior-junior relationships or to denote someone one looks up to.