How to pronounce sensei
Say it like SEN-say. Sensei has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sensei. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SEN
- say
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sensei pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- sayGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of sensei
American and British speakers say sensei in essentially the same way: /ˈsɛnˌseɪ/ in the US and /ˈsɛnˌseɪ/ in the UK.
British respelling: SEN-say.
What does sensei mean?
- A martial arts instructor; especially one for a Japanese martial art.
- A Japanese (language) teacher (sometimes used as a suffix attached to the name of a teacher, principally in translations from Japanese).
- A teacher, guide or mentor, in the context of Japan.
Questions about saying sensei
How do you pronounce sensei?
Say SEN-say. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɛnˌseɪ/. In British English it is /ˈsɛnˌseɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sensei?
Sensei has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEN). Broken into parts: SEN · say.
Do Americans and Brits say sensei the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsɛnˌseɪ/ and the British form is /ˈsɛnˌseɪ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.