Translation guide
A preceptor is a teacher, instructor, or mentor, often in a formal or specialized setting. In Japanese, the best translation depends on the context: a general teacher, a mentor in a traditional art, an academic advisor, or a clinical instructor.
To refer to a person who teaches or instructs, especially in a school or formal setting.
The most common and versatile word for teacher, instructor, or mentor. Used for schoolteachers, doctors, and respected professionals.
私の先生はとても親切です。
My teacher is very kind.
A more formal term for teacher, often used in official contexts or job titles.
彼は高校の教師です。
He is a high school teacher.
To refer to a master or mentor in a traditional Japanese art, craft, or discipline.
A master or mentor in traditional arts like tea ceremony, martial arts, or calligraphy. Implies a deep, often lifelong, teacher-student relationship.
彼は茶道の師匠です。
He is a tea ceremony master.
A licensed instructor or master in martial arts or traditional skills, often holding a formal teaching rank.
To refer to a faculty member who guides a student's research or studies, especially at the university level.
An academic advisor or supervisor, typically for graduate students. Emphasizes the guidance role.
指導教官に論文を見てもらった。
I had my advisor look at my thesis.
Professor. Often used as a title for university faculty, who may also serve as preceptors.
To refer to a healthcare professional who supervises and teaches students or trainees in a clinical setting.
A clinical instructor or preceptor, specifically in medical or nursing education.
看護学生は臨床指導者から多くを学ぶ。
Nursing students learn a lot from clinical preceptors.
Loanword from English 'preceptor', used in some healthcare education contexts. Less common than native terms.
新しいプリセプターが病棟に配属された。
A new preceptor was assigned to the ward.
先生 is the most general and respectful term for teacher, used for schoolteachers, doctors, and mentors. 教師 is more formal and job-specific, often used in official titles. 師匠 implies a master-disciple relationship in traditional arts.
先生、質問があります。
Teacher, I have a question.
彼は英語の教師です。
He is an English teacher.
師匠の教えを守る。
Follow the master's teachings.
Becoming a kendo instructor is difficult.
Professor Yamada is my advisor.