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A1 noun #3,759 most common 9 min read

教授

kyōju Top 3,759

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 教授 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 教授 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn '教授' (kyōju) primarily as a noun meaning 'professor'. In your early Japanese studies, you likely learned 'sensei' for all teachers. Think of 'kyōju' as a more specific version of 'sensei' used only for university teachers. You will see it in simple sentences like 'Tanaka-san wa kyōju desu' (Mr. Tanaka is a professor). It is important to remember that you don't call your teacher 'Kyōju' when talking to them; you still say 'Sensei'. But when you see the word in a textbook or on a university sign, you will know it refers to a high-level teacher. At this stage, focus on the pronunciation (kyō-ju) and the fact that it relates to universities. You might also notice the first kanji '教' which is the same as in 'oshieru' (to teach). This is a great way to start building your kanji knowledge by seeing how common roots appear in different words. Just remember: university = kyōju.

At the A2 level, you can start using '教授' (kyōju) in slightly more complex sentences, such as describing someone's profession or identifying someone in a formal context. You should understand that 'kyōju' is a title that comes after the name, like 'Sato-kyōju'. You might hear this in a self-introduction or when someone is being introduced on a TV show. You should also be able to distinguish between 'kyōju' (the person) and 'jugyō' (the class). Both use the kanji '授', which means to give or confer. At this level, you should also be aware that 'kyōju' is a formal word. If you are talking about your own teacher to a friend, you might just say 'sensei', but if you are talking to a stranger about a famous academic, 'kyōju' is more appropriate. You can also start to recognize the word in university-related vocabulary, like 'kyōju-shitsu' (professor's office).

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '教授' (kyōju) within the context of the Japanese university system. You will likely encounter related terms like 'jun-kyōju' (associate professor) or 'jokyō' (assistant professor). It's important to understand the social hierarchy these words represent. In B1 reading materials, such as news articles or formal essays, 'kyōju' is frequently used to introduce experts. You should also start to see 'kyōju' used as a 'suru-verb' (教授する). While 'oshieru' is the standard word for teaching, 'kyōju suru' is used in formal writing to describe the act of imparting specialized knowledge or traditional arts. For example, 'gijutsu o kyōju suru' (to impart technology). Understanding this nuance helps you transition from basic conversational Japanese to more formal, written Japanese. You should also be careful with homophones like 'enjoyment' (享受), which is also pronounced 'kyōju' but used in completely different contexts.

At the B2 level, you are expected to understand the nuances of '教授' (kyōju) in professional and academic settings. This includes knowing how to address professors in formal emails (using [Name] 教授 or [Name] 先生) and understanding the weight the title carries in Japanese society. You will encounter the word in academic papers, formal speeches, and complex news reports. You should be able to discuss the role of a professor, including their responsibilities in research and education. At this level, the verb form 'kyōju suru' becomes more relevant, especially when discussing the transmission of culture or high-level skills. You might also encounter the word in legal or institutional contexts, such as 'kyōju-kai' (faculty meeting). Your ability to use 'kyōju' correctly in both its noun and verb forms, and in its various compound forms (like 名誉教授 - Professor Emeritus), demonstrates a maturing grasp of Japanese professional vocabulary.

At the C1 level, your understanding of '教授' (kyōju) should extend to its historical and cultural connotations. You should be aware of how the term evolved during the Meiji era as Japan modernized its education system. You will encounter 'kyōju' in sophisticated literature and high-level academic discourse. You should be able to appreciate the subtle difference between 'kyōju suru' and other verbs for teaching like '伝授する' (denju suru - to initiate into secrets) or '指南する' (shinan suru - to instruct/point the way). At this level, you should also be proficient in using the word in highly formal written contexts, such as writing a thesis or a formal proposal to a university department. You should understand the institutional power dynamics associated with the 'kyōju' position in Japan, including the 'koza' (chair) system that has historically defined Japanese academic structures. Your use of the word should reflect an awareness of its prestige and the formal distance it creates.

At the C2 level, you possess a near-native command of '教授' (kyōju), including its most abstract and philosophical applications. You can use the verb 'kyōju suru' to describe the profound transmission of knowledge, wisdom, or artistic mastery in a way that captures the 'conferring' nuance of the kanji '授'. You are comfortable navigating the most complex academic hierarchies and can use the term in nuanced debates about education policy, university reform, or the history of Japanese intellectual thought. You understand the word's placement in the broader web of Japanese honorifics and can switch between 'kyōju', 'sensei', and other titles with perfect social accuracy. Whether you are reading a dense academic treatise, participating in a high-level faculty meeting, or analyzing classical Meiji-era literature, you grasp every layer of meaning—from the literal job title to the symbolic representation of authority and the formal act of intellectual bestowal.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

教授 in 30 Seconds

A high-ranking academic title specifically for university teachers, implying significant expertise and institutional status.
Used as a title following a surname (e.g., Tanaka-kyōju) in formal contexts and third-person references.
Can function as a formal verb (kyōju suru) meaning to impart specialized knowledge or traditional arts.
Distinguished from 'Sensei' (general address) and 'Kyōshi' (general occupation) by its specific university-level context.

The Japanese word 教授 (きょうじゅ - kyōju) is a multifaceted term primarily recognized as the title for a 'professor' within the hierarchy of higher education. Unlike the more general term 先生 (sensei), which can apply to any teacher, doctor, or person of authority, kyōju specifically denotes a high-ranking academic position at a university or college. It implies a level of expertise, research accomplishment, and institutional standing that commands significant respect in Japanese society. Beyond the noun for the person, it also functions as a suru-verb meaning the act of 'teaching' or 'imparting' knowledge, though this usage is quite formal and less common in daily conversation than the title itself.

Academic Hierarchy: In Japanese universities, the ranking usually goes from 助教 (jokyō - assistant professor) to 准教授 (jun-kyōju - associate professor) and finally to 教授 (kyōju - full professor). Knowing this hierarchy is crucial for proper address in academic settings.

佐藤教授は、この分野の権威です。(Professor Sato is an authority in this field.)

In a broader sense, the kanji 教 (teach) and 授 (confer/grant) suggest a formal transmission of wisdom. When used as a verb, kyōju suru often refers to the transmission of traditional arts, high-level skills, or spiritual teachings. For instance, a master of the tea ceremony might 'kyōju' the secrets of the craft to a dedicated disciple. This nuance of 'conferring' suggests that the knowledge being shared is valuable and being passed down from a position of mastery.

彼は長年、茶道の奥義を教授している。(He has been teaching the deep secrets of the tea ceremony for many years.)

Social Status: In Japan, being a university professor is considered one of the most prestigious professions. The word carries an aura of intellectualism and social responsibility. It is not just a job title but a social identity that influences how one is treated in formal gatherings and public discourse.

大学の教授になるのは非常に難しい。(Becoming a university professor is extremely difficult.)

Compound Usage: You will often see this word in compounds like 名誉教授 (meiyo kyōju - Professor Emeritus) or 客員教授 (kyakuin kyōju - Visiting Professor). These distinctions are very important in Japanese academic bureaucracy.

その教授の講義はいつも満員だ。(That professor's lectures are always full.)

専門的な知識を学生に教授する。(To impart specialized knowledge to students.)

Using 教授 (kyōju) correctly requires an understanding of Japanese honorifics and institutional structures. When you are a student addressing your professor directly, you almost always use 先生 (sensei). However, when you are introducing that professor to someone else or writing their name on a formal document, 教授 (kyōju) is the correct term. For example, 'This is Professor Tanaka' would be 'Tanaka-kyōju desu.'

The 'Title' Placement: In Japanese, the title follows the surname. Unlike English where we say 'Professor Smith', in Japanese, you say 'Smith-kyōju'. Using 'Kyōju Smith' sounds unnatural and like a direct translation from English.

山田教授の研究室は三階にあります。(Professor Yamada's office/lab is on the third floor.)

When discussing the profession itself, kyōju acts as a standard noun. You might say, 'My dream is to become a professor.' In this case, it is 'Kyōju ni naru no ga yume desu.' The word does not change regardless of the subject's gender, as Japanese titles are generally gender-neutral.

彼女は数学の教授です。(She is a professor of mathematics.)

Referring to Others' Professors: When talking about someone else's professor, you might add 'sama' in extremely formal contexts (e.g., Tanaka-kyōju-sama), but usually, 'Tanaka-kyōju' or 'Tanaka-sensei' is sufficient. Avoid calling yourself 'Kyōju' when speaking; instead, state your position as 'University de oshieteimasu' (I teach at a university).

新しい教授が就任しました。(A new professor has taken office.)

Verb Usage: Kyōju suru: This form is used when the act of teaching is seen as a formal provision of skills. Example: 'Gijutsu o kyōju suru' (to impart technology/skills). It sounds very authoritative.

彼は多くの弟子に剣術を教授した。(He taught swordsmanship to many disciples.)

その大学には有名な教授がたくさんいます。(There are many famous professors at that university.)

You will encounter 教授 (kyōju) in several key environments in Japan. The most obvious is the university campus. From the directory at the entrance to the syllabus of a course, the word is ubiquitous. If you are watching Japanese news, experts invited to comment on political, scientific, or social issues are almost always introduced with their title: 'Tokyo Daigaku no [Surname] Kyōju' (Professor [Surname] of Tokyo University). This title gives their opinion weight and legitimacy.

In Media and Drama: Japanese dramas often feature professors as protagonists—sometimes as eccentric geniuses (like in the series 'Galileo') or as figures of authority in medical dramas. In these shows, characters will refer to them as 'Kyōju' to emphasize their rank within the hospital or university hierarchy.

ニュース番組で教授が解説している。(The professor is giving an explanation on the news program.)

Another place you hear this word is during graduation ceremonies or academic conferences. The master of ceremonies will use the term repeatedly when introducing speakers. In business settings, if a company is collaborating with a university, the business staff will refer to the academic lead as 'Kyōju' to show proper respect for their specialized knowledge.

学会で教授に質問をした。(I asked the professor a question at the academic conference.)

Literature and Formal Writing: In novels, especially those set in the Meiji or Taisho eras (like Natsume Soseki's works), the role of the 'Kyōju' is often depicted as a pinnacle of Western-style enlightenment and social status. The word in these contexts carries a historical weight of Japan's modernization.

彼は経済学の教授として知られている。(He is known as a professor of economics.)

名誉教授の称号を授与された。(He was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is using 教授 (kyōju) as a direct address. While in English you might say, 'Professor, I have a question,' in Japanese, saying 'Kyōju, shitsumon ga arimasu' sounds cold and overly clinical. The natural way to address a professor to their face is 先生 (sensei). Use kyōju only when you are describing their job title or referring to them in a formal third-person context.

Misusing the Rank: Calling an Associate Professor (准教授 - jun-kyōju) a 'Kyōju' might be seen as a polite mistake, but calling a high school teacher 'Kyōju' is a definite error. 'Kyōju' is strictly for university-level educators with the specific rank.

× 高校の教授 (High school professor - Incorrect)
○ 高校の先生 (High school teacher - Correct)

Another common error is the word order. In English, the title comes first: 'Professor Tanaka'. In Japanese, it must be 'Tanaka Kyōju'. Reversing this (Kyōju Tanaka) sounds like a translation error and is not used by native speakers. Additionally, learners often forget that 'kyōju' can be a verb. However, using 'kyōju suru' to mean 'I am teaching my friend Japanese' is wrong because 'kyōju' is too formal and 'top-down'. For friends, use 'oshieru'.

× 友達に日本語を教授する。(Teaching Japanese to a friend - Too formal)
○ 友達に日本語を教える。(Correct)

The Homophone Trap: There is another 'kyōju' (享受) which means 'to enjoy' or 'to receive the benefits of' (e.g., freedom, rights). While they sound identical, the kanji are different. If you are typing on a keyboard, make sure you select the correct characters: 教授 for professor, 享受 for enjoyment.

× 自由を教授する (To teach freedom - Usually wrong context)
○ 自由を享受する (To enjoy/possess freedom - Correct)

その教授の教え方は丁寧だ。(The professor's way of teaching is polite.)

Understanding the difference between 教授 (kyōju) and its synonyms is vital for navigating Japanese social hierarchies. The most common alternative is 先生 (sensei). While 'Sensei' is a catch-all for anyone you learn from, 'Kyōju' is a specific professional rank. Think of it like the difference between calling someone 'Teacher' versus 'Doctor of Philosophy'.

Kyōju vs. Kyōshi: 教師 (kyōshi) is the general term for 'teacher' as an occupation. When someone asks 'What do you do?', a high school teacher says 'Kyōshi desu'. A university professor might say 'Daigaku no kyōju desu'. You never address someone as 'Kyōshi' to their face.

彼は大学の教授で、彼女は高校の教師です。(He is a university professor, and she is a high school teacher.)

In the context of the verb 'to teach', kyōju suru can be compared to denju suru (伝授する). While kyōju is formal teaching, denju specifically refers to passing down secrets, techniques, or traditions from one generation to the next, often in martial arts or crafts.

Rank Comparisons: 1. 教授 (Kyōju) - Full Professor
2. 准教授 (Jun-kyōju) - Associate Professor
3. 専任講師 (Sennin Kōshi) - Full-time Lecturer
4. 助教 (Jokyō) - Assistant Professor

彼は教授から直接指導を受けた。(He received direct guidance from the professor.)

Formal vs Informal Teaching: For academic/formal knowledge: 教授 (kyōju)
For general skills/info: 教える (oshieru)
For guidance/mentorship: 指導 (shidō)

准教授から教授に昇進した。(He was promoted from associate professor to professor.)

名誉教授は退職後も研究を続けている。(The Professor Emeritus continues research even after retirement.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"田中教授が本学の学長に就任されました。"

Neutral

"彼は経済学の教授です。"

Informal

"あの教授、教え方うまいよね。"

Child friendly

"だいがくのえらい先生のことを、きょうじゅといいます。"

Slang

"あいつ、教授並みに詳しいな。"

Fun Fact

In the Edo period, 'kyōju' was used to describe the teaching of traditional arts. It wasn't until the Meiji era that it became the official translation for the Western academic rank of 'Professor'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK kjɔːdʒuː

US kjoʊdʒu

Flat (Heiban) - The pitch stays relatively level throughout the word.

Rhymes With

Hyōju (standard) Ryōju (receipt) Shōju (acceptance)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kyō' as two syllables 'ki-yo'. It is a single contracted sound.
Shortening the long 'ō' in 'kyō'.
Confusing the pitch with 'kyōjū' (throughout today).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common but require N3 level knowledge for fluid reading.

Writing 4/5

Writing '授' can be tricky for beginners due to the number of strokes.

Speaking 2/5

The pronunciation is straightforward once you master the long vowel.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognized in academic or news contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

先生 (Teacher) 大学 (University) 教える (To teach) 学校 (School) 学生 (Student)

Learn Next

准教授 (Associate professor) 講義 (Lecture) 研究室 (Laboratory) 論文 (Thesis) 博士 (Doctor/PhD)

Advanced

学問 (Scholarship) 該博 (Erudite) 伝授 (Initiation) 享受 (Enjoyment) 教鞭 (Teaching career)

Grammar to Know

Titles following names

田中教授 (Professor Tanaka) - The title acts as a suffix.

Suru-verbs

教授する (To impart) - Turning a noun into a formal verb.

Honorifics (Sonkeigo)

教授がおっしゃいました (The professor said) - Using respectful verbs with the title.

Noun + no + Noun

数学の教授 (Professor of mathematics) - Using 'no' to show specialization.

Passive voice with 'ni'

教授に教えられる (To be taught by a professor).

Examples by Level

彼は大学の教授です。

He is a university professor.

Uses the 'A wa B desu' pattern.

田中教授は親切です。

Professor Tanaka is kind.

The title 'kyōju' follows the name.

教授の名前は何ですか。

What is the professor's name?

'no' is the possessive particle.

あの方は教授ですか。

Is that person a professor?

'Ano kata' is the polite version of 'ano hito'.

私の父は教授でした。

My father was a professor.

Past tense of 'desu' is 'deshita'.

教授は教室にいます。

The professor is in the classroom.

'ni imasu' indicates the location of a person.

あの教授の本を読みます。

I will read that professor's book.

'o' is the direct object marker.

教授に会いたいです。

I want to meet the professor.

'~tai' expresses desire.

大学で教授に質問しました。

I asked the professor a question at the university.

'ni' marks the person being asked.

新しい教授が来ました。

A new professor has arrived.

'ga' marks the subject of arrival.

教授の研究室はどこですか。

Where is the professor's office?

'kyōju-shitsu' is a common compound noun.

佐藤教授の講義は面白いです。

Professor Sato's lecture is interesting.

'kōgi' means lecture.

教授は今、忙しいそうです。

It seems the professor is busy now.

'sō desu' indicates appearance/hearsay.

教授から手紙をもらいました。

I received a letter from the professor.

'kara' indicates the source.

有名な教授に会うことができました。

I was able to meet a famous professor.

'koto ga dekimashita' indicates ability/possibility in the past.

教授は英語も話せます。

The professor can also speak English.

'hanasemasu' is the potential form.

教授は学生に専門知識を教授する。

Professors impart specialized knowledge to students.

Uses 'kyōju' as both a noun and a verb.

彼は准教授から教授に昇進した。

He was promoted from associate professor to professor.

'kara... ni' indicates the transition.

その教授は、新しい理論を発表した。

That professor announced a new theory.

'happyou' means announcement/presentation.

教授の指導のおかげで、論文が完成した。

Thanks to the professor's guidance, the thesis was completed.

'no okage de' means thanks to.

大学教授になるためには、博士号が必要です。

In order to become a university professor, a doctorate is necessary.

'tame ni' indicates purpose.

教授は、私の研究計画を高く評価してくれた。

The professor evaluated my research plan highly.

'~te kureta' indicates someone did something for the speaker.

客員教授として、アメリカの大学へ行く。

I am going to an American university as a visiting professor.

'toshite' means in the capacity of.

教授は、学生たちの意見を尊重している。

The professor respects the students' opinions.

'sonchou' means respect.

名誉教授の称号を授与されることは、大きな名誉だ。

Being awarded the title of Professor Emeritus is a great honor.

'juyo sareru' is the passive form of confer.

教授会で新しいカリキュラムが承認された。

The new curriculum was approved at the faculty meeting.

'kyōju-kai' refers to the faculty council.

彼は、数学の教授として世界的に知られている。

He is known worldwide as a professor of mathematics.

'sekai-teki ni' means worldwide.

教授は、長年の研究成果を本にまとめた。

The professor summarized years of research results into a book.

'seika' means results/achievements.

その教授の講義スタイルは、非常に独創的だ。

That professor's lecture style is very original.

'dokusou-teki' means original/creative.

教授は、若手研究者の育成に力を入れている。

The professor is putting effort into nurturing young researchers.

'ikusei' means nurturing/development.

彼は、文学部で教授職に就いている。

He holds a professorship in the Faculty of Letters.

'kyōju-shoku' means the position of professor.

教授は、社会問題に対して積極的に発言している。

The professor is actively speaking out on social issues.

'sekkyoku-teki ni' means actively.

教授の言説は、当時の知識人に多大な影響を与えた。

The professor's discourse had a profound influence on the intellectuals of the time.

'gensetsu' refers to discourse/remarks.

彼は、伝統芸能の神髄を後進に教授している。

He is imparting the essence of traditional performing arts to his successors.

'shinzui' means essence/soul.

教授は、学問の自由を守るために闘った。

The professor fought to protect academic freedom.

'gakumon no jiyuu' is academic freedom.

その教授は、該博な知識で知られている。

That professor is known for his extensive and profound knowledge.

'gai-haku' means erudite/extensive.

教授の退職記念講義には、多くの卒業生が集まった。

Many alumni gathered for the professor's retirement commemorative lecture.

'taishoku kinen' means retirement commemoration.

彼は、教授という立場を利用して、不正を行っていた。

He was committing fraud by exploiting his position as a professor.

'tachiba o riyou shite' means using one's position.

教授の緻密な分析は、学会でも高く評価されている。

The professor's meticulous analysis is highly regarded in academic circles.

'chimitsu' means meticulous/detailed.

彼は、生涯をかけて真理を教授し続けた。

He spent his whole life continuing to teach the truth.

'shougai o kakete' means throughout one's life.

知の巨人と称されるその教授は、真理の探究に身を捧げた。

The professor, hailed as a giant of knowledge, dedicated himself to the pursuit of truth.

'chi no kyojin' is a metaphorical expression for a great intellectual.

教授の講義は、単なる知識の伝達を超え、魂の変容を促すものだった。

The professor's lectures went beyond mere transmission of knowledge, prompting a transformation of the soul.

'tannaru... o koe' means surpassing mere...

彼は、学問の深淵を教授する稀有な教育者であった。

He was a rare educator who taught the depths of scholarship.

'shin-en' means abyss/profound depths.

教授の著作は、現代思想のパラダイムシフトを引き起こした。

The professor's writings triggered a paradigm shift in modern thought.

'paradigm shift' is used in academic Japanese.

その教授は、権力に屈することなく、己の信念を貫き通した。

The professor stood by his convictions without yielding to power.

'kusuru koto naku' means without yielding.

教授の指導哲学は、学生一人ひとりの個性を開花させることにあった。

The professor's teaching philosophy lay in making each student's individuality bloom.

'kaika saseru' is the causative form of bloom.

彼は、教授職を辞した後も、在野の学者として研鑽を積んでいる。

Even after resigning from his professorship, he continues his studies as an independent scholar.

'zaiya' refers to being outside of government or official institutions.

教授の言葉は、時を経ても色褪せることなく、我々の心に響き続ける。

The professor's words do not fade with time and continue to resonate in our hearts.

'iro-aseru koto naku' means without fading.

Synonyms

先生教師講師准教授学者教官

Antonyms

学生生徒弟子

Common Collocations

大学教授

名誉教授

准教授

教授会

教授職

客員教授

教授法

専門知識を教授する

教授の指導

教授室

Common Phrases

教授のポスト

— A professorship or a position as a professor.

彼はついに教授のポストを手に入れた。

教授の推薦状

— A letter of recommendation from a professor.

留学のために教授の推薦状が必要だ。

教授の門下生

— A student or follower under a specific professor's guidance.

私は山田教授の門下生です。

教授の講義

— A lecture given by a professor.

教授の講義はとても人気がある。

教授の肩書き

— The title or status of being a professor.

彼は教授の肩書きを持っている。

教授の専門

— A professor's field of expertise.

教授の専門は古代史です。

教授の研究室

— A professor's laboratory or office.

教授の研究室で話し合う。

教授の著書

— A book written by a professor.

教授の著書を参考にする。

教授に就任する

— To take office as a professor.

来月、新しい教授が就任する。

教授を退官する

— To retire from a professorship (usually at a national university).

父は昨年、教授を退官した。

Often Confused With

教授 vs 享受 (Kyōju)

Sounds the same but means 'enjoyment' or 'reception of benefits'.

教授 vs 教師 (Kyōshi)

General word for 'teacher' as a job, usually for school levels.

教授 vs 教員 (Kyōin)

Formal collective term for faculty/staff.

Idioms & Expressions

"象牙の塔の教授"

— A professor in an 'ivory tower,' disconnected from the real world.

彼は象牙の塔の教授で、世間知らずだ。

Literary

"教授の椅子"

— The 'chair' or position of a professor.

彼は教授の椅子を狙っている。

Formal

"教授の顔を立てる"

— To save face for the professor or show them respect.

教授の顔を立てて、その会合に出席した。

Idiomatic

"教授のお墨付き"

— Having the professor's 'seal of approval' or endorsement.

この研究は教授のお墨付きをもらっている。

Colloquial

"教授の鶴の一声"

— The professor's decisive word that settles a matter.

教授の鶴の一声で、プロジェクトが始まった。

Idiomatic

"教授の懐刀"

— The professor's 'right-hand man' or most trusted student.

彼は教授の懐刀として知られている。

Metaphorical

"教授の看板"

— The 'signboard' or reputation of being a professor.

教授の看板があるから、信頼される。

Figurative

"教授の教えを請う"

— To ask for the professor's teaching or guidance.

高名な教授の教えを請いに行く。

Formal

"教授の手足となる"

— To act as the professor's 'hands and feet' (working hard for them).

弟子として教授の手足となって働く。

Metaphorical

"教授の息がかかる"

— To be under the influence or protection of a professor.

彼は教授の息がかかった人物だ。

Idiomatic

Easily Confused

教授 vs 先生 (Sensei)

Both refer to teachers.

Sensei is a general honorific address; Kyōju is a specific academic rank at a university.

先生、こんにちは！ (Hello, Teacher!) vs 彼は大学の教授です。(He is a university professor.)

教授 vs 講師 (Kōshi)

Both teach at universities.

Kōshi is a lecturer (often part-time or lower rank); Kyōju is a full professor.

彼は非常勤講師として働いている。

教授 vs 助教 (Jokyō)

Contains the same 'kyō' and relates to professors.

Jokyō is the entry-level academic rank (Assistant Professor).

彼は先月、助教になったばかりだ。

教授 vs 准教授 (Jun-kyōju)

Very similar in sound.

Jun-kyōju is Associate Professor; Kyōju is Full Professor.

准教授から教授になるには時間がかかる。

教授 vs 享受 (Kyōju)

Identical pronunciation.

Kyōju (教授) is a person; Kyōju (享受) is an abstract action of receiving/enjoying.

平和を享受する (Enjoy peace).

Sentence Patterns

[Name] は教授です。

田中さんは教授です。

[Name] 教授の [Noun]

佐藤教授の講義は長いです。

[Noun] を教授する。

技術を教授する。

[Rank] から教授に [Verb]

准教授から教授に昇進した。

教授としての [Noun]

教授としての責任を果たす。

[Noun] を教授し続ける。

真理を教授し続ける。

教授に [Verb-te] もらう

教授に推薦状を書いてもらう。

教授に [Verb] たい

教授に会いたいです。

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

How to Use It

frequency

Common in academic and professional contexts; rare in casual daily life.

Common Mistakes

Calling a high school teacher 'Kyōju'. → 高校の先生 (Kōkō no sensei)
'Kyōju' is a specific rank for university faculty only.
Addressing a professor as 'Kyōju!' in person. → 先生！ (Sensei!)
Using the title as a vocative is unnatural; 'Sensei' is the standard address.
Saying 'Kyōju Tanaka'. → 田中教授 (Tanaka-kyōju)
In Japanese, titles always follow the surname.
Using 'Kyōju suru' for teaching a friend. → 教える (Oshieru)
'Kyōju suru' is too formal and sounds like a master imparting secrets to a disciple.
Confusing 教授 with 享受 in writing. → 教授 (Professor) / 享受 (Enjoyment)
They sound identical but have different kanji and unrelated meanings.

Tips

Address properly

Always use 'Sensei' when speaking to a professor face-to-face to avoid sounding cold.

Kanji Precision

Be careful with the strokes in '授'; the right side is 'ju' (受 - to receive), meaning teaching is giving what you received.

University Only

Reserve this word for university contexts. Using it for a tutor or school teacher is incorrect.

Root Connection

Notice the '教' (teach) root. It's the same as in 'Oshieru' and 'Kyōiku' (education).

Learn the Ranks

Learn 'Jun-kyōju' (Associate) and 'Jokyō' (Assistant) at the same time to understand the hierarchy.

Long Vowels

The 'ō' in Kyōju is long. Practice saying 'Kyo-o-ju' to get the rhythm right.

Expert Introduction

When you hear 'Kyōju' on the news, the person following is an expert in the topic being discussed.

Social Status

In Japan, being a 'Kyōju' is a very high status. Mentioning it in introductions carries weight.

Suru-Verb Use

Only use 'Kyōju suru' in very formal writing. Use 'Oshieru' for everyday teaching.

Visual Link

Visualize a professor handing (授) a book (教) to a student.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a Professor (Kyōju) 'Conferring' (授) 'Knowledge' (教) to you. The 'Kyō' is like 'Education' (Kyōiku).

Visual Association

Imagine an elderly person in a graduation gown (conferring knowledge) standing in front of a university gate.

Word Web

University Sensei Research Lecture Degree Academic Smart Teaching

Challenge

Try to find three different Japanese professors online and see what their specific title is (e.g., 准教授 vs 教授). Write their names in the Japanese format: [Surname] 教授.

Word Origin

Derived from Middle Chinese. The first kanji '教' means 'to teach' or 'doctrine'. The second kanji '授' means 'to give', 'to grant', or 'to confer'.

Original meaning: Originally referred to the act of transmitting religious or philosophical teachings.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Always use the correct title. Calling a full professor a 'Kōshi' (lecturer) could be seen as a slight.

In the US/UK, 'Professor' is often used as a general term for university teachers. In Japan, the hierarchy is stricter; don't use 'Kyōju' for a lecturer.

Ryuichi Sakamoto (nicknamed 'Kyōju') Professor Oak (Okido-hakase/kyōju in Pokémon) Professor Hershel Layton (Layton-kyōju)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

University Campus

教授の研究室はどこですか？
教授の講義を受けます。
教授に推薦状を頼む。
教授会が開かれる。

Academic Conference

教授の発表を聞く。
教授に質問をする。
教授と名刺を交換する。
教授の論文を引用する。

News/Media

大学教授の解説。
教授のコメントを求める。
教授が新発見をした。
教授の著書が話題だ。

Professional Introduction

こちらは田中教授です。
教授として紹介される。
教授の称号を持つ。
教授職に就く。

Traditional Arts

奥義を教授する。
師匠から教授を受ける。
技を教授される。
教授の免状をもらう。

Conversation Starters

"将来、大学の教授になりたいですか？"

"大学で一番好きな教授は誰ですか？"

"教授に質問しに行ったことがありますか？"

"有名な教授の講義を聞いたことがありますか？"

"教授の研究室に行ったことがありますか？"

Journal Prompts

もし自分が教授だったら、何を教えたいですか？

大学教授の仕事についてどう思いますか？

尊敬する教授について書いてください。

教授というタイトルが持つ社会的な意味は何だと思いますか？

自分が誰かに何かを「教授」した経験はありますか？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it is more natural to call them 'Sensei' when speaking to them directly. Use 'Kyōju' when referring to them in the third person or in formal writing.

Yes, in a modern academic sense, it is strictly for university-level faculty. For high school or elementary, use 'Sensei' or 'Kyōshi'.

Kyōju is a job title (Professor), while Hakase is an academic degree (Doctor/PhD). A person can be both.

Usually '[Surname] 先生' is the most polite and common. You can also use '[Surname] 教授'.

It is gender-neutral. It applies to both men and women.

It means to formally teach or impart knowledge/skills, often used for traditional arts or specialized subjects.

It means 'Professor Emeritus,' an honorary title given to retired professors for their service.

Yes, especially in mystery or sci-fi anime where a character is a brilliant academic expert.

It was a nickname given to him because of his deep musical knowledge and academic-like approach to composition.

It has the 'hand' radical (扌), which implies the physical or metaphorical act of handing something over.

Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Write 'Professor' in Japanese kanji.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Kyōju.