Senpai
An upperclassman or senior you look up to — online, the crush or idol whose attention you crave.
Definitions
In its original Japanese sense, a senior or upperclassman at school or work who mentors those below them. Anime imported the term wholesale.
In meme form, the person you admire from afar who never seems to acknowledge you — hence the phrase 'notice me, senpai'.
Used jokingly for anyone more experienced or skilled than you in a hobby or scene.
Senpai In A Sentence
Origin & Usage
Direct borrowing from Japanese 先輩 (senpai), meaning a senior in a school or workplace hierarchy. It crossed into Western internet culture through anime and the 'notice me senpai' meme of the early 2010s.
People Also Ask
What does senpai mean?
It means a senior or upperclassman you look up to. Online it usually means a crush or idol whose attention you want.
What does 'notice me senpai' mean?
It's a meme about longing for attention from someone you admire who doesn't seem to see you. It's used for crushes, idols, and even brands you wish would reply.
Is it senpai or sempai?
Both spellings appear because the Japanese pronunciation sits between an 'n' and 'm' sound. 'Senpai' is the more common romanization.
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