How is Sensei really defined.

[johenora]

What is the correct definition as to what a Sensei is?

[Jay Bell]

One who has gone before.

[Artful Dragon]

I had always had it defined as simply; "teacher."

respectfully

[Forgottenone]

The Translation of "Sensei" is in fact...one who has gone before.

It is given to teachers because of what the word represents.
One who has been there and done that, and as a result now possesses the benefit of having gone before -- Knowledge. and can therefore now teach what he/she has learned to those who come after him.


-------
Arthur Perkins

[Dale Seago]

My students don't use the term to address me, we go by first names. But one of them, a native-born Japanese, has told me that "sensei" is how she thinks of me, and the English phrase she uses as a translation is "before-born".

I find that really touching somehow.

[Shiro_ryuu]

Sen = before, previous
Sei = life
so that must mean that Sensei means one who has lived and experienced before you.