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Sensei vs Guru - What's the difference?

sensei | guru |

As nouns the difference between sensei and guru

is that sensei is a martial arts instructor. Sensei of martial arts usually live and/or work at a dojo where they instruct their apprentices. A live-in apprentice is also called uchi-deshi while guru is a Hindu or Sikh spiritual teacher.

sensei

English

Noun

(en-noun)
  • A martial arts instructor. Sensei of martial arts usually live and/or work at a dojo where they instruct their apprentices. A live-in apprentice is also called uchi-deshi.
  • (colloquial) a Japanese (language) teacher.
  • Synonyms

    * sifu, shifu

    guru

    English

    Alternative forms

    * goru * gooroo

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A Hindu or Sikh spiritual teacher.
  • * 1817 , William Ward, History, Literature and Religion of the Hindoos , vol II:
  • When the gooroo arrives at the house of a disciple, the whole family prostrate themselves at his feet, and the spiritual guide puts his right foot on the heads of the prostrate family.
  • * 2010 , Wendy Shanker, The Guardian , 10 May 2010:
  • Traditionally, a guru is a spiritual teacher who guides a student on the road to Enlightenment, or finding God.
  • (sometimes, humorous) An influential advisor or mentor.
  • * 2004 , ‘Vintage technology’, Time , 18 Oct 2004:
  • Many oenophiles rely on the ratings and recommendations of wine guru Robert Parker when selecting the perfect bottle.

    Derived terms

    * gurukul * Gurmukhi * guruship * Sadguru

    References

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