What does the Japanese word Sempai mean?

Sempai (先輩) is a Japanese word that literally means "one who has gone ahead". It is used as a term of respect for someone who is more senior or experienced in a particular field. Typically, Sempai is used to refer to a senior student or colleague, but it can also be applied more generally to anyone who has more knowledge or expertise in a given subject.

In Japanese culture, there is a strong emphasis on hierarchy and respect for authority, and the use of Sempai reflects this. It is important to show respect to one's Sempai by using polite language and addressing them with the appropriate honorifics. For example, a junior student might refer to their senior student as Sempai-kouhai, where "kouhai" means "one who has come later".