Meaning of Kohai (What is it, Concept and Definition)

What is Kohai:

Kohai is a word of Japanese origin that literally translates as "the companion of later".It refers to a new member of a institution, company, association, academy or other forms of social organization, which should receive a period of preparation and instruction from an experienced member.

Specifically, this instruction must be offered by a senpai or sempai (in its Spanish version), that is to say, a veteran member or with some age in the institution, who is in charge of providing the opportune guide for its integration and development within the group.

During the training period, the kohai and the senpai develop a relationship based on respect and discipline. kohai must comply with a set of requirements.Among them, you must show interest in what is offered as learning.In addition, you must show clear respect and thanks.I encourage your teacher, the senpai.

It is understood, therefore, that a senpai is a kind of tutor, while a kohai is a kind of pupil, both of them establish a relationship of friendship and loyalty, always marked by the hierarchical order of their condition.

If in Japan this relationship occurs in all kinds of institutions, including schools, universities and businesses, outside the country are limited to martial arts education clubs.

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