Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'professor' depends on context. The most common term is 教授 (kyōju), but it is primarily a title or formal reference. In direct address, 先生 (sensei) is used for teachers, including professors. Understanding when to use each is key.
Referring to someone who holds the academic rank of professor, especially in official contexts.
The standard word for a professor as an academic title. Used in formal settings, on business cards, and when stating someone's position.
田中教授は経済学の専門家です。
Professor Tanaka is an expert in economics.
彼は大学教授です。
He is a university professor.
A general honorific for teachers, doctors, and other professionals. When addressing a professor directly, 先生 is used instead of 教授. It can also be used as a title after the name.
先生、質問があります。
Professor, I have a question.
山田先生は化学を教えています。
Professor Yamada teaches chemistry.
Calling a professor by their title in conversation.
In Japanese, you never address a professor as 'Professor' alone. You use their family name followed by 先生. Using 教授 in direct address is unnatural.
Do not use 教授 to address someone directly. It sounds overly formal and is not idiomatic.
田中先生、おはようございます。
Good morning, Professor Tanaka.
When the context is clear, you can simply say 先生 to get a professor's attention, similar to 'Professor' in English.
先生、ちょっとお聞きしたいことがあります。
Professor, I'd like to ask you something.
Talking about your professor to someone outside your group.
When speaking to someone outside your university or lab, you refer to your own professor as 先生 without an honorific prefix. This shows modesty.
私の先生はこの研究を指導しています。
My professor is supervising this research.
A formal term for one's academic advisor or supervising professor, often used in official documents.
指導教員の承認が必要です。
Approval from your supervising professor is required.
Referring to a retired or honorary professor.
The term for professor emeritus. Used after retirement to denote an honorary title.
彼は名誉教授として大学に残っています。
He remains at the university as a professor emeritus.
Referring to professors below full professor rank.
Associate professor. The rank below full professor.
彼女は准教授に昇進しました。
She was promoted to associate professor.
Assistant professor. The entry-level professorial rank.
助教として採用されました。
I was hired as an assistant professor.
教授 is the official title and is used when stating someone's position. 先生 is an honorific used for addressing or referring to teachers, doctors, and other professionals. When speaking to a professor, always use 先生. Using 教授 to address someone directly is unnatural.
田中教授は有名な研究者です。
Professor Tanaka is a famous researcher.
田中先生、こんにちは。
Hello, Professor Tanaka.
In English, we say 'Professor Smith' or just 'Professor'. In Japanese, you must use 先生 after the name, or 先生 alone. Saying 教授 directly to someone is incorrect.
先生と会う予定があります。
I have a meeting with my professor.
彼女は文学の教授です。
She is a professor of literature.