August 24th, 2021 3 comments. »
Probably everyone who is at least a little aware of what manga and anime are in Japan has sometimes come across the word “senpai” or “senpai” (先輩). concept often appears in TV series about school affairs, when elementary school students turn to their older friends. But, of course, everything is not limited to the walls of schools. But what does this word mean in Japanese, how correct does it sound and why is it inextricably linked with another word - “kohai” (後輩).
Senpai and Kohai in the anime
In addition to the dojo, work, study and other aspects of Japanese life, you can find out who senpai and kohai are from anime and manga. One of the most common areas of animation and printed materials is shojo.
The kanji for "shojo" translates to girl. And the target audience for shojo anime and manga are girls between the ages of twelve and eighteen. The main characters are usually young people who are going through some difficulties. As a rule, in such anime and manga the main character - kohai - falls in love with her senpai.
When translating dialogues and texts, a small problem arises: what to do with the words “kohai” and “senpai”. Translation into other languages is impossible, since there are no analogues to these concepts. Thus, in official translations the terms are omitted. But in amateurs, the words are not translated, but simply added to names, for example, Yamato-senpai.
It is worth noting that it is not only in dojos and anime that the terms “senpai” and “kohai” are used. Although hieroglyphs came from the fifth century BC, they actively participate in the life of ordinary Japanese.
In companies and offices, employees often call those who got hired earlier senpai. This way they show respect to their colleagues and are not afraid to come up and ask for advice in case of difficulties.
Friendship, love, hentai
Despite the rules of seniority, friendship and love are possible between senpai and kohai, which is often reflected in manga (Japanese comics), anime, films and TV series.
For example, the 2015 teen melodrama Senpai to Kanojo describes the development of a romantic relationship between high school students who find themselves in the same hobby club. A Kouhai girl falls in love with a Senpai guy and achieves reciprocity.
Still from the film https://img.anews.com/media/gallery/108324727/385536440.jpg
The senpai-kohai theme is very popular in the hentai genre (erotica and porn), as it is based on dominance/submission. In addition, Japanese school uniforms are one of the most common sexual fetishes.
From the hentai comic Akuma ga Boku wo (“Here I am this devil.”) https://img.anews.com/media/gallery/108324727/178603818.jpg
Senpai, senpai or senpai: how to speak correctly
First you need to clarify the situation with the pronunciation of this word. Some will say: “Why bother clarifying this, as everything is written in Wikipedia, that’s how it should be said, they probably checked it.”
Without entering into scientific debates, I will express my opinion:
- You can safely say “sEMpay” if you are a follower of the transcription system developed in 1917 by the orientalist, Professor Polivanov. This is just according to the rules of his system;
- If you are a supporter of alternative systems similar to romaji (Latin transliteration), then you can also safely pronounce “senpai”. According to Dr. Hepburn's system, the correct and correct spelling is "senpai";
- If you like the option with the pronunciation “sempai”, then you can use it, especially in colloquial speech.
My conclusion from all of the above: say what you like best and any option, but in my opinion, will be correct. I think every choice can be justified. Someone will logically ask: “How do the Japanese themselves pronounce this word?”
I agree - a reasonable question that could put an end to this practically holivar. However, the problem is that the inhabitants of the Land of the Rising Sun themselves pronounce it a little differently, although I personally lean towards the letter M and I will explain why below.
What can we say about such an interesting and unique language? But to finally “finish off” the topic, I will say that most English-speaking teachers adhere to a certain rule when learning Japanese.
Graphic forms of the Japanese syllabary photo
If you are learning hiragana and katakana through romaji, you should remember: before P, B and M, always change ん (i.e. “n”) to “m”. Based on this, we get the following chain:
At the same time, please take into account that I am not a linguist by profession, although I have almost my own system of learning the Japanese language from scratch. If you are interested in how I personally studied this language, you can read the information, maybe it will help someone.
By the way, the hieroglyph corresponding to the word Sempai has nothing to do with the heritage of the indigenous inhabitants - the Ainu, although they left a noticeable mark on the cultural traditions of the country. He came from another great power - the “Celestial Empire” or simply China.
"Notice me, senpai"
In the mid-2000s, the word "senpai" entered Western youth slang. It refers to any person with whom you are in love or with whom you want to be friends, but he does not pay attention.
All the fan’s behavior is aimed at getting the object of his adoration to notice him. The best wish for him on New Year and birthday is “may your senpai notice you.”
memesmix.net https://img.anews.com/media/gallery/108324727/446802526.jpg
In the 2010s, the phrase “notice me senpai” became a popular meme. Fans tagged photos of their favorite celebrities on social networks with this tag, then websites and accounts appeared where manga and anime experts began posting thematic texts and pictures.
And in 2014, the world’s most popular video blogger PewDiePie made a video of all the moments when he said “notice me, senpai” in the frame. After this, the phrase became iconic.
PewDiePie / YouTube / Tenor https://img.anews.com/media/gallery/108324727/5083486.gif
Senpai and Kohai in the anime
The kanji for "shojo" translates to girl. And the target audience for shojo anime and manga are girls between the ages of twelve and eighteen. The main characters are usually young people who are going through some difficulties. As a rule, in such anime and manga, the main character - kohai - falls in love with her senpai. When translating dialogues and texts, a small problem arises: what to do with the words “kohai” and “senpai”. Translation into other languages is impossible, since there are no analogues to these concepts. Thus, in official translations the terms are omitted. But in amateurs, the words are not translated, but simply added to names, for example, Yamato-senpai. It is worth noting that the terms “senpai” and “kohai” are used not only in dojos and anime. Although hieroglyphs came from the fifth century BC, they actively participate in the lives of ordinary Japanese. In companies and offices, workers often call those who got hired earlier senpai. This way they show respect to their colleagues and are not afraid to come up and ask for advice in case of difficulties.
Answer from Alla Dunets
Senpai is the person in front or the person who is scarier than you
Reply from Dry out
he stands behind you and rubs you affectionately)
Answer from Eurovision
comrade in front
Answer from Yotefan Orynbekov
Yes
Answer from ? Bianca Lipnitskaya
It is in the game Yandere Simulator.
Answer from Elena Filippova
Or the person the girl is in love with (yandere simulator): DD
Reply from Take Delovoi
Senpai (Japanese: ??, lit. "comrade in front") is a Japanese term usually referring to the person who has more experience in a particular area. In this case, age does not matter. If one person does something longer than another, then he is a senpai.senpai Definitions on the Internet (sensepai) is a term more typical of karate schools, implying in different variations an instructor, a senior student, or simply a senior in qualification, an assistant sensei.
Answer from Ono Gasai
Senpai is a person who is older than you in age, etc.
Answer from Yamar Pereshakhin
Senpai is the oldest person in any institution (be it school or work).
Hello.
Let's get started.
Sensei is a polite address to a teacher, doctor, writer, boss or other significant person or a significantly older person.
Senpai is a term that usually refers to a person who has more experience in a particular activity. If one person does something longer than another, then he is a senpai.
Kohai is the opposite concept: a person who is less experienced in some field of activity.
And so, that was the scientific, short explanation. Boring, right? I'll try to explain it more cheerfully.
Reality.:
The Japanese character "sepmai" translates as "comrade" or "standing in front." In colleges, colleges, schools, etc., little kids add this word to the name of the person who is better at their activity.
:exclamation: Don't confuse Senpai with Sensei:exclamation:
Senpai is a person superior in ACTIVITY, and nothing more.
I'm probably going to blow someone's mind now, but in reality it's quite understandable.
In the Anime, Senpai is a little different. Yes, this is also a person who is superior in activity, but in anime this term is also used by a girl to refer to an older guy whom she loves. (Well, or vice versa.)
But with Sensei, age plays a huge role. Mostly these are teachers whom you respect. If a person is younger than you, but better in some ways, he is not a sensei.
Kohai" consists of two characters "Ko" and "Hai". "Hai" means colleague or friend in Japanese. "Co" means after or later. It turns out that a kohai is someone who started training later.
These people have less experience, so when problems arise, they should turn to their senpai for help. Also, in many areas of Japanese life, taking care of newcomers falls on the shoulders of senpais.
Fans of Japanese culture and martial arts in particular often use additional suffix words with their names. They indicate that a person belongs to one or another rank in the system of titles, ranks, and dans. This tradition has been preserved since ancient times and still remains today. There are often cases of erroneous or double interpretation of terms such as sensei, shihan, soke, kaicho and others. Who is senpai in this case? Does it make sense to use this term when communicating in a non-Japanese culture?
Senpai: meaning
The literal Japanese character translates to "comrade" or "standing in front." Sometimes it is added to a person's name and denotes that he has certain experience and knowledge in some area. Most often the term is used in educational institutions, colleges, martial arts schools, sports clubs and has a special meaning.
The words "senpai" and "kohai" are antonyms. They are used to clearly divide students into ranks. Kohai is a student who has recently come to school, and senpai is a more experienced student who has been studying for some time, knows certain rules and can become a mentor for others.
Age and previous merits in other schools and sections do not matter. Even a relatively young student can be a senpai for an older person with a higher dan or rank.
Japanese traditions
The culture of this country is such that senior-junior relationships have existed since ancient times. The family value system is of particular importance in Japan. Father will always be untouchable. He alone has complete power. The eldest son will inherit all his rights.
Who is a senpai in modern Japan? It is believed that the established traditional senior-junior ties are gradually weakening. New generations are switching to a different style of communication, more close to the Western model. In modern Japanese schools, you can hear how students who have already graduated from school or students who graduated a year earlier are also called senpai.
However, a self-respecting Japanese will not start a conversation at the table until the status of everyone present has been determined. Also, older workers and employees in companies have a slightly higher status than younger ones. Moreover, wages, incentives and bonuses are also based on seniority, regardless of a person’s abilities.
Analogies
What does senpai mean in relation to our culture and established traditions? The most suitable equivalent of such a relationship is the term “grandfather” used in the army. Kohai are just as often discriminated against as young employees. Although this is considered hazing, the leadership of units often turns a blind eye to such facts if they do not go far beyond the traditionally established rules.
Moreover, often it is precisely this subordination that makes it possible to accustom newly arrived newcomers to new customs and etiquette. Although not everyone likes it, the system is built in such a way that it is not possible to change the conditions of the game. Beginners understand this and quickly adapt to the new rules. Some time will pass and soon they themselves will move up a step in the hierarchy. Having become more experienced, having studied the regulations, they themselves will become senpais for newcomers who have just come into the system and taken their previous place.
Senpai and Kohai concept
For them, the interaction between senpai and kohai does not raise questions. Who a senpai and a kohai are can be understood using the example of a dojo. For example, a Japanese man came to the dojo in 2016 to practice martial arts. Everyone who trained here before is his senpai. The older comrade started training earlier and, accordingly, he will receive the second dan earlier. However, during preparation, Senpai was injured and left the dojo for two years. At this time, Kohai was able to receive his second dan. After some time, senpai returned. And although he will only have first dan, he will remain a senpai, since he came to the dojo earlier. Rank does not affect the relationship between senior and junior students. The Japanese are particularly sensitive to time. You can become a senpai for a person who came to the dojo the next day. Those who started classes at the same time usually call each other “dohai.” Kanji "Do" is the same and equal comrade.
How is the relationship between senpai and kohai built?
Well, we finally got there... I think it’s already clear that senpai is a person who is “above” another person in the social hierarchy (a comrade in front - literally in Japanese). It is for this other one, who is below, that he will be senpai.
The vertical system does not exclude friendly relations at all
So, for example, students from junior classes call older students (in the abbreviated form sempa) or a young employee of the company calls a more experienced, distinguished employee (and the “young” employee may be older in age), or a newcomer to the baseball team of an experienced player.
I also think it is clear that for any superior person, the inferior one will be considered a kohai (the comrade behind him - literally in Japanese), with all the ensuing consequences in the relationship.
You should not think that vertical relations are a one-sided game. This does not mean that senpai climbs onto a pedestal and begins to control his kohai as he pleases. Of course, there are people who are not averse to showing their superiority and tend to abuse their “power”, but this is not the rule, but the exception.
Tasks and responsibilities of sempai in samurai society
Proper vertical relationships are based on mutual privileges and responsibilities. And so it is the senpai's privilege that his kohai treat him with due respect and follow his instructions, and his duty is to care for them and take responsibility for them.
A mentor (senior) is a teacher whose word is very significant
This is especially pronounced in the relationships between members of the same “team”. For example, in a sports team, or in the field of professional relations.
Senpai can afford more to his kohai than the latter can afford to do to him. At the same time, he takes on the role of a mentor of sorts.
His task is to prepare his junior colleagues and partners to perform their duties in a certain area of life. In the workplace, he is also partially responsible for any mistakes his kohai may make. Such mistakes ultimately show how he himself viewed his responsibilities as a senior comrade.
What do you think about this social vertical system? Do you think it is justified and effective? Or is it the other way around - do you think that the fact that someone is a few years older or has been at a company a little longer shouldn't have such an impact on the relationship?
Here I look for tickets, hotels, last minute tours and excursions:
"Notice me, senpai!" Who is Senpai? How to write a word correctly?
In Japanese culture, human relationships in many areas, starting from school, are built on the principle of sempai - kohai, that is, senior in position - junior in position, mentor - ward.
Literally translated, the word sempai means “preceding comrade”, “superior colleague”. Accordingly, kohai is a “subsequent comrade”, “lower colleague”.
Shutterstock https://img.anews.com/media/gallery/108324727/238214798.jpg
Otaku
Who is this otaku? In essence, this is a passion for something, but specifically in our particular case - anime and manga. We can say that these are the anime fans who are constantly addicted to anime and, in fact, are the most proficient in it.
Ooooh
And yes, in Japan the term is " otaku"
” is disrespectful because that’s what they call real fanatics and crazy people.
In Russia, this is not considered something offensive, because... For us, this has a different subtext, namely, devotion to one’s passion/hobby. And of course, there is an analogue of this term - “ weabu
” These are those who adore everything related to
Japan
.
ECONOMICAL TRAVEL
August 24th, 2021 3 comments. »
Probably everyone who is at least a little aware of what manga and anime are in Japan has sometimes come across the word “senpai” or “senpai” (先輩). This concept often appears in TV series about school affairs, when elementary school students turn to their older friends. But, of course, everything is not limited to the walls of schools. But what does this word mean in Japanese, how correct does it sound and why is it inextricably linked with another word - “kohai” (後輩).
The meaning of senpai and kohai in Japanese society
It's no secret that deep, sincere tradition and the latest advanced technologies strangely coexist in Japan. Despite technological progress, Japanese society is strictly hierarchical. It is based on the so-called principle of “Joge Kanke” - Jōge Kankei (上下関係).
Briefly about the principle, it is the construction of interpersonal relationships based on a clear vertical: senior - junior.
Funny pictures on the topic Senpai and kouhai
About the principle of "Joge Kanke" - Jōge Kankei
Of the more detailed, but still simple, explanations of the essence of this principle, the explanation given by Dr. Takanori Utsunomiya is closer to me. I don’t have a direct translation from Japanese into Russian, but its meaning is as follows:
In Japan, and indeed in any other country, there is no ideal way or method that allows you to accurately judge the abilities of a particular person, his potential and performance results as a whole.
In Japan, such an assessment is based on the relationship between senior and junior, superior and subordinate. In other words, personality evaluation is determined by “closeness” to the boss and is not evaluated otherwise.
And so, it is extremely difficult for someone who has all the prospects based on hard work, knowledge and aspirations, but does not have a smooth relationship with their boss, to move up the career ladder. The hierarchical system is so important and significant.
The fact that this assessment system is far from ideal has been discussed in Japanese society for a long time, but so far no alternative has been found, so the senpai-kohai vertical is alive and well...
As you may have guessed, the one at the top has a stronger position. In fact, this is not surprising. After all, most of us also have our own boss, who is higher in the hierarchy than the average employee.
Moreover, the vast majority usually pay extra attention to their boss, and the boss, accordingly, can afford much more than his subordinate. However, the Japanese have taken this relationship to a higher level
Jōge Kankei finds its application not only in the workplace, but also almost anywhere and everywhere - in all areas of life
However, the Japanese took this relationship to a higher level. Jōge Kankei finds its application not only in the workplace, but also almost anywhere and everywhere - in all areas of life.
In almost every situation in which a person who is “higher” may be “appointed,” be it by position, seniority, or even age, both parties will address each other in accordance with the rules of the vertical.
This is especially noticeable if you pay attention to the language used in communication. The person at the bottom of the vertical will speak to his interlocutor more respectfully, using appropriate phrases and speech structures in the style of keigo (敬語), while the other side will be able to afford much simpler speech patterns
Japanese degrees of politeness are a rather interesting thing... and ambiguous.
Are you confused by all these - kun, - chan and other investments in subtitles?
This is called Japanese politeness. They are about the same as Mister, Mister, Pan, Miss, Madam and Sir. However, for the Japanese they tell much more about relationships between people. Nominal suffixes in Japanese are suffixes that are added to a name (surname, nickname, profession, etc.) when talking to or about a person. Nominal suffixes play an important role in Japanese communication. They indicate the social status of the interlocutors relative to each other, their attitude towards each other, and the degree of their closeness. By using any nominal suffix, you can insult your interlocutor, or vice versa - express your deepest respect to him.
Honorific. Honorative is a “form of politeness.” A grammatical category that conveys the speaker’s attitude towards the person in question. It is characteristic primarily of the “polite” Japanese language.
Honorifics are gender neutral, but some are used for one gender more than the other. Kun, for example, is more used for men, and chan for women. Honorifica are usually required when addressing someone, but sometimes they need to be discarded altogether. It's quite confusing.
Honorifica is usually combined with the polite speech suffixes -masa and desu. If a person does not use Honorifics at all, then this is a clear indicator of rudeness. This style may seem awkward or even arrogant, a sign of a familiar, cold and “distant” relationship.
Withholding deference signifies intimacy with the person you are speaking to. This is done with spouses, younger family members, very close friends, or those of lower status in society. They also omit it when talking about a family member to another person. However, this phenomenon is common among schoolchildren, students, and hard workers (in an environment where unceremoniousness is quite acceptable).
Is it possible to completely do without all these suffixes and proper selection? It is possible, but very, very, very undesirable.
Now let’s move on to the classic “gentleman’s” set of the most common suffixes:
San (さん) is the most common badge of honor. It is a title of respect between equals. A neutral polite suffix that corresponds quite closely to addressing people by first name and patronymic in Russian. This is the English equivalent of Mr., Miss. It can also be attached to animals and objects, but such use is considered childish. Usagi-san roughly translates to Mr. Rabbit. It can also be used to refer to someone who works in a particular place. honya-san ("bookstore" + san) translates to "bookseller".
However, it should be taken into account that in women’s speech this suffix loses its honorative meaning and is used for almost all names. That is, Japanese women address everyone with “-san,” even the closest people (excluding children). This explains the fact that in Japanese films, as well as in anime, women say “-san” even to their husbands. In this case, the suffix does not mean addressing “you”. However, modern young women and girls are less formal in their speech and use “-san” mainly as a neutral-polite suffix.
Application procedure
Spraying with the Senpai insecticide is carried out when the first pests appear - this pesticide is in no way preventive! The treatment will be more effective if the imago (adult breeding individuals) is noticed in time and it is timed to coincide with it, in which case the repellent effect of the drug will be felt.
The processing time and processing conditions are usual: in the morning and evening on plants dry from dew and precipitation, in calm, warm, preferably cloudy, weather. The working solution is prepared directly in the sprayer tank. It needs to be worked out within 6 hours; The working solution cannot be stored. The sprayer of the device is installed on a finely sprayed “foggy” jet. Flow control - only by area, in order to fully use the anti-feedant properties of Senpai.
Instructions for using the Senpai insecticide for target crops on private farms are given in the table:
Also, recently, private gardeners have been using the same drug against a relatively new type of pest of tomato fruits - cotton bollworm larvae, about this, see the video below:
Hikikomori
In common parlance " Hika"
“I think a lot of us are a little hikki, and some of us might be real senpai among them. Those who are not familiar with this term may wonder:
I'll tell you now)) Hikki
- these are the people who prefer to chill in their hut. They may not go outside for months, and some individuals for years. It's a good topic. Considering what happened in the first quarter of 2020. Why are they sitting at home? Yes, because they prefer solitude, isolation from the outside world for a variety of reasons.
Sometimes they still go out at night to fill their refrigerator; they are eager to eat. And this is provided that they live alone, if with relatives, then they simply stick to them and are like parasites, literally.
In budo
In budo, senpai are those who practice this type of budo for the most time.
Rank Senpai
relative. If one person is more experienced than another in a certain type of budo, then he will be a senpai, while the less experienced will be a kohai.
Kohai
(Japanese 後輩,
ko: hai
, lit. “comrade standing behind”) - a person less experienced in this type of budo.
In the dojo you receive the title of senpai
or
kohai
, when you begin to practice a specific type of budo. And this relationship doesn't really change depending on what rank you have in this budo.
A situation is possible where a kohai receives a higher rank than a senpai. In this case, the kohai's position in the dojo will be higher than that of his senpai. But he is still a kohai, just with a higher rank.
Senpai are still students, only they have been students in the dojo longer than their kohai, which is why they are called senpai.
Since the senpai know more about their dojo and the type of martial art they practice, they teach the kohai. They teach rules, etiquette, and manners in the dojo.
Many kohai complain about their sempai for being too bossy. Senpai is not a commander for a kohai. Senpai must be a good mentor. Kohai must listen not only to the sensei, but also to what the sempai teach them.
Both senpai and kohai in the dojo must treat each other with respect
no matter what.
Who is Senpai in Buddo
The variety of schools, techniques, trends and directions of Japanese martial arts makes it possible for even a relatively young student of the school to be a senpai for a newcomer who has just arrived. And this does not depend on how old someone is, where the experience was gained, what rank was assigned and what achievements someone has. All the same, a student who has spent more time at school will know better about the rules and customs, which means he has the right to be a senior.
Who is senpai in the educational process? Theoretically, he knows more about his form of martial art. But the kohai may be more successful in training and will soon be able to achieve the highest rank. But he will still remain in the same position for the rest of the time, although he will be higher in class. Senpai is essentially the same student. Together with the younger ones, he learns techniques, techniques, and hones his skills. However, it is he who can communicate more closely with the head of the school. Kohai are, as it were, surrounded by a wall of senpais from the sensei.
However, a senpai cannot be an absolute commander for his ward. Only the school teacher and sensei should obey the kohai unquestioningly. At the same time, instructions regarding etiquette, manners and rules of behavior in a particular case can be given by a senpai.
Who is Senpai and Kohai in Japan?
In Japan, the senpai-kohai system underlies almost all relationships.
Although there is no exact translation of these concepts into Russian, sempai (先輩) means being in a senior class, a senior employee, or an elderly person with whom you are dealing. Conversely, a kohai (後輩) is a junior or lower-level person.
Belonging to a senpai and a kohai is determined by age and rank, which in Japan are often the same thing.
Historical background
The senpai-kohai system has existed since the beginning of Japanese history. Its development was significantly influenced by Confucianism, the traditional Japanese family system and the Civil Code of 1898.
The Japanese family system was also governed by Confucian codes of conduct and influenced the establishment of senpai-kohai relationships. In this family system, the father, as the male head of the family, had great power over the family, and the eldest son inherited family property.
At the same time, neither the eldest daughter nor the younger children inherited any property. The father's power was partly due to the fact that he received an education and, as far as can be judged, established ethical standards for behavior in the family. Since respect for superiors was considered a virtue in Japanese society, the wife and children were expected to obey the father of the family.
Prevalence of relationships between subordinates and managers
The above system permeates the entire Japanese society. You can verify this by visiting schools, offices, clubs, organizations and almost any other group of people. The degree to which this principle is expressed varies depending on the type of group.
In addition to being strictly enforced in schools and workplaces, you might, for example, have a senpai golf partner. This is a person who is older than you and has played longer than you. This system can even be found in the punk rock scene.
Senior and junior comrades in schools
The division between senpai and kohai begins in middle school and is especially important in club activities, since this is where the interests of children belonging to different age groups intersect the most. In the sports and gaming process, younger children are also assigned a secondary role
So, when playing baseball, they can only accept baseballs from older children
In the sports and gaming process, younger children are also assigned a secondary role. Thus, when playing baseball, they can only accept baseballs from older children.
Children must learn from scratch by watching and encouraging their senpai for a long time before they are allowed to play themselves.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=uIc9B6JDKUM
Mutually beneficial cooperation
The senpai-kohai system is actually more than just a ranking system in which older members receive special privileges.
This is a mentor system where the senpai has to teach the kohai. Senpai is responsible for his younger charges, and they must take this responsibility seriously.
However, senpai and kohai have a closer relationship than teacher and student because they are closer in age. The difference can be no more than one year.
It may seem unfair, but respect goes both ways. If a kohai lets the group down or somehow embarrasses its members, the senpai also feels responsible for his subordinate's behavior. Although senpai may sometimes abuse his juniors, he is expected to live up to the level of respect he receives from younger men.
Continuity of social roles
Since the system is based on age, roles are never switched. If a person was once your senpai, he will always remain so. Kouhai never even achieves equal status with his senpai. But next year a new batch of kohai arrives, and in relation to them, the kohai becomes senpai.
Senpai and Kohai: the history of hieroglyphs
The words, or rather the hieroglyphs “senpai” and “kohai”, originated not in Japan, but in China. The first mention dates back to the fifth century BC.
The emergence of such words as “kohai”, “senpai” and “sensei” is due to the characteristics of Eastern cultures, the basis of which is the veneration of those who are older and more experienced. In the east, it is believed that the elder, regardless of the circumstances, is wiser and more experienced than those who are younger. Thus, the younger generation should respect the older ones. In Japan and China, the default teacher is older and more experienced. Students must treat him with respect.
To understand who senpai is, you will need to turn to the ancient teachings of Kunzi, which formed the basis of Confucianism. Prosperity and success are possible only by honoring ancestors, that is, those who are smarter and more experienced.
Peculiarities
What does senpai mean in determining rights and responsibilities? Unwritten rules determine the obligation of a lower-ranking participant in the system to carry out the orders of a higher-ranking participant. Kohai must treat his senpai with respect and unquestioningly carry out his small orders. He, in turn, is obliged to look after his less experienced student and answer for him to a superior leader.
Who is Kouhai's senpai? Seniority is possible only in a homogeneous environment: a sports section, a martial arts school, a company department, an enterprise workshop. That is, a more experienced mechanic cannot be a senpai for an accountant who has just arrived at the enterprise, and vice versa.
