Senpai is a Japanese word that can mean an older or more senior person, especially a mentor or someone admired. Learn how senpai is used in anime, manga, sports and other contexts, and see its origin and synonyms. What does senpai mean ? In Japanese, a senpai is an upperclassman who mentors an underclassman, or kohai. This term is used most often in English in reference to anime and manga. All boils down to the level of calm your Senpai . It is possible to have a senpai that strictly abides with hierarchical formality. You now are aware of the person who is classified as a senpai and how to apply the term and behave with the Senpai do you plan to practice this with your bosses at your workplace or in school?