Quote:
Originally Posted by GoldAlchemist
Just want to know who else is called sensei in Japan? - Medical doctor
- Teacher
- Member of Diet
- Writer
By the way, i've the feeling that whoever is referred to as a sensei is usually highly regarded in the Japanese society. |
You can call anyone you respect "sensei". The sense of respect is usually due to expertise/knowledge (doctors, teachers, etc) or social status (members of diet, etc). Today the term is usually used when someone is a recognized expert in the field, thus many would call even manga-ka sensei. Strictly speaking, a "sensei" is someone who has something to teach you and you're showing your respect for him/her.
It's a term that came from Chinese Confucianism, where the term meant "Born before". In ancient China, learned people (basically pepole who can read) are highly respected, and those who offer to teach it to the unlearned are called Sensei. The respect for teachers emanate throught out East-Asian society, and this term became a designation of respect for all learned individuals.
Incientally, the kanji for "sensei" means "Mister" in modern mandarin Chinese. Anyone who's a dude is called so and so "sensei". Hence this is an ancient Chinese term, not a modern one. This is a common point of confusion for Chinese learner of Japanese - "why did he just call his female teacher "Mister"?"
